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Our Correspondent
Kohima, May 16 (EMN): The 4th Kohima Super Cup 2022 kicked off with Kevithutuo Sophie, Sr. Superintendent of Police, Kohima as special guest at Indira Gandhi Stadium (IGS), Kohima on Monday.
Addressing the inaugural function, the police officer lamented the circumstances the players have to face despite Nagas being ardent lovers of football as there is no sustenance owing to the non-availability of firms to sponsor or sustain the game.
He pointed out the state’s neighbour, Manipur has a good number of players in the ISL making a living, while the players in the state are taking the game as part time and a seasonal game. Towards this, he impressed upon the need to give efforts and get engaged at the national level and even up to the national level.
Sophie also told the players to take the game with all seriousness and upgrade their standards, while requesting the organisers to identify upcoming players and approach the government for exposure.
Meanwhile, President of Kohima Town Club (KTC), Dr. Viketoulie Pienyu, in his speech, said that there is a challenge to make football a sustainable industry even at the national level but the KTC took the challenge to make football a sustainable industry in Nagaland.
He also said that, ‘To make football a sustainable industry, it should be taken to the community so that each family supports their players, create a fan based game and produce quality players, while the players also should be well disciplined’.
Earlier, welcome address was delivered by Zedikuolie Kire, convenor of the organising committee, while Viriezhunuo Solo presented a special song.
New Market FC defeats Crimsoune Club 10-1
Selhouvi Belho opened the first account for Crimsoune Club in the fourth minute, however, opponent Limakumzuk Ao equalised in the 10th minute for New Market FC (NMFC) followed by Rhitso Mero in the 27th minute.
Subsequently, after the breather, Limakumzuk Ao added another goal in the 48th minute, which was followed by Visalie Mezhü in the 67th minute, Haotinmang in the 68th minute and the first hat-trick of the championship was scored by Nyithong Magh in the 71st, 72nd and 75th minute, while Gideon Leo added another two goals in the 78th and 91st minute for NMFC to dominate the game.
It may be mentioned that a total of 17 teams are participating in this year’s edition. On Tuesday, A Yhome FC will take on United Brothers at 11:30 AM and Barak FC will play against Wolves XI FC at 1:30 PM in the second match.