KOHIMA The 2nd Grassroots Open Football Tournament concluded on Saturday at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima, with Rokovikho Chale, president of the Angami Sports Association (ASA), attending the closing ceremony as the guest of honour.
The tournament, organised by the Kohima District Football Association (KDFA) under the aegis of the Nagaland Football Association (NFA), began on June 28 and a total of 25 teams from across the state participated in three categories: Under-10, Under-13, and Under-15.
In the Under-15 category, Khelo India Centre (KIC) Greenwood, Dimapur, (4-0) emerged as champions, with Chedema Football Academy securing the runner-up position. In the Under-13 category, Dimapur Sporting Club (Soccer Schools Academy) (10-0) claimed the championship title, while Billy Graham FC finished second. In the Under-10 category, KIC Kohima (4-1) won the championship, and Gethemgo Sports Academy was the runner-up.
The winners received INR 10,000 each, while the runners-up received INR 5,000 each, along with medals, certificates, and trophies. Individual awards were also presented.
In the Under-10 category, Noto Sothu of Gethemgo Sports Academy was named the Most Promising Player. Seshel Kechu of Gethemgo Sports Academy and Hihito Zhimo of Khelo India Centre Kohima were recognised as Best Player of the Tournament/Highest Scorer, each with three goals.
In the Under-13 category, Kehethong Tep of Billy Graham FC was named the Most Promising Player. Lanmgouchung of Dimapur Sporting Club Soccer Schools Academy received the Best Player of the Tournament/Highest Scorer award with seven goals.
In the Under-15 category, Wangchon of KIC Greenwood was named the Most Promising Player. Lalminhai Thomson of Khelo India Centre Greenwood was awarded Best Player of the Tournament/Highest Scorer with five goals.
Speaking on the occasion, Chale expressed confidence in the future of Naga football, highlighting that the efforts of the current leadership and visionaries would soon have a significant impact on its history.
He urged the youth to incorporate games and sports into their lives and stressed the need for extraordinary effort and preparation for those considering a professional career in sports. He also encouraged young athletes to be well-prepared and punctual.
Chale assured that the ASA is committed to advocating for updated sports policies from government agencies to help players excel and achieve their dreams. He emphasised the need for fairness and support for all genuine and disciplined players
Neidilhoutuo Neibu Sechü, vice president of KDFA, sponsored the cash prize for the Under-15 category; Seyiekhrietuo Suohu, a veteran footballer, sponsored the cash award for the Under-13 category; Metekhrielie Mejura, joint secretary of KDFA, sponsored the cash prize for the Under-10 category; Mhasimhalie Mathew Yhome, president of KDFA, sponsored the trophies and medals; and Kevilebei Zashümo, joint secretary of KDFA, sponsored the footballs.