The 28th Liangmai Sports Meet organised by the Liangmai Sports Association began at Samziuram village in Peren district with teams from Assam, Manipur and Nagaland participating.
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DIMAPUR — The 28th Liangmai Sports Meet organised by the Liangmai Sports Association (LSA), Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, commenced on January 8 at Samziuram village in Peren district under the theme “Strive to Transcend.”
The opening ceremony was graced by Namri Nchang, MLA of 6 Tening A/C, as the special guest. Indian international footballer Seiminlen Doungel made a special appearance, while Deputy Commissioner, Peren, Hiazu Meru and president of Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland, Wingam Nring, attended as special invitees.
Altogether, 47 contingents from villages across Assam, Nagaland and Manipur are participating in the meet, which features football, volleyball, athletics, badminton, marathon and other disciplines, an update stated.
Addressing the inaugural programme, Nchang encouraged players to uphold discipline and sportsmanship, and urged them to promote peace and unity among the Zeliangrong people. He unfurled the ceremonial flag and formally declared the meet open.
Doungel, sharing his journey, recalled his early days playing football with improvised equipment and said he was glad to be part of the event. He highlighted keeping faith, developing a strong mindset and working hard as key principles for success.
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In his presidential address, LSA president Kadilinbo SP spoke on the achievements of Liangmai athletes at state and national levels, noting that five players had secured government employment through the sports quota.
Following the inaugural programme, an exhibition football match between Peren District Football Association (PDFA) XI and LSA XI ended in a goalless draw. In the second exhibition match, PDFA officials defeated LSA officials 3-0.
The opening ceremony included an invocation by Rev. Wichampau Nchang, lighting of the torch by Paramrisi and Ningtingbo, welcome address by Samziuram Village Council chairman Nlumlu Nkie, opening spotlight by KJMS Samziuram, special music by Kewizengdauliu, winner of Peren District Voice Impact 4.0, and acknowledgements by organising committee co-convenor Amonbo. The programme concluded with a divine blessing by Rev. Joshua Zeliang of COGOP-India and was compered by Sironbou and Paukizonne Meriam.
Football results
Football matches began on January 9 across four grounds.
In the first round, Chiang defeated Niamning 5-0, Kuilong and Hojanpur drew 1-1, Nchangram Namsan beat Kawalong 6-3, while Malek and Mhaikam played out a goalless draw.
In the second set of matches, Tamei edged Konphung 2-1, Nallong routed Bena Nguang 6-1, Rienta and Cannanram were held to a 0-0 draw, and Dikiuram defeated Oklong Nguang 2-1.
In the third round, Kuilong-1 beat Nchangram 1-0, Liangchi defeated Old Nzau 3-0, Nkou thrashed Chakha 6-0, while Ndai received a walk-over win against Shingra.
In the fourth round, Dimapur secured a walk-over win against Makuilongdi, Ntu defeated Tepun 4-0, SPO and Rianglong drew 1-1, and New Kazanglwa beat Jalukie Town W-9 3-0.