Steering committee members of the 25th edition of the NSF
Martyrs' Memorial Trophy, along with NSF and ASU representatives, during a
press conference in Kohima on Sunday. (EM Images).
- KOHIMA — The 25th
edition of the Nagaland Students' Federation (NSF) Martyrs' Memorial Trophy
will take place from September 13 to October 18 in Kohima and Chümoukedima.
- The steering committee, led by convenor/chairman Medo
Yhokha, a former NSF president and legislator; Khrielievi Chüsi, co-chairman;
Neizokhotuo Belho, secretary; Kelhouneizo Yhome, member; Kenilo Kent, NSF
assistant general secretary; and Khriesamhalie David Mere, president of the
Angami Students' Union, addressed a press conference at Hotel Japfü, Kohima, on
Sunday regarding this.
- During the conference, it was mentioned that, in celebration
of the special edition, "trophy tours" to the Naga homeland will be
flagged off on March 20, coinciding with the 39th death anniversary of late
Kekoujalie Sachü of Kohima Village and Vikhozo Yhoshü of Kigwema Village, in
whose memory the trophy was initiated.
- Yhokha said the trophy tour is expected to reach out to the
entire Naga homeland. He added that the main purpose is to celebrate the 25th
anniversary in a fitting manner, to pay solemn respect to the martyrs, and to
recommit to the welfare of the people.
- Following the kickoff of the tour, the trophy will first be
handed over to the parent units of the two martyrs, namely the Kohima Village
Students' Union and the Kigwema Students' Union, and will later travel across
the Naga homeland.
- Apart from football, he said they would also engage in
positive dialogue while appealing to the elders to stop polarising the Naga
issue and divisive policies and to give the leadership that the present
generation deserves.
- Kent provided the background of the NSF Martyrs' Memorial
Trophy, while Chüsi, the co-convenor, said that Nagas have multiple talents but
lack professionalism. Through participation, he said, they aim to send the
message that the Nagas are united.
- Belho said there are various technical challenges that need
to be addressed and urged the clubs and footballers to register for affiliation
with the Nagaland Football Association. While the standard of sports has
improved, he said infrastructure needs to be addressed, revamped, and reviewed.
He urged the government to live up to expectations and added that training facilities
and good incentives for players representing the state are also required.
