Dimapur, November 3: Each time the players missed the woodwork, the crowd in dismay
ohhh-ed and
ahhh-ed as the players rued their chances missed. The crowd was witnessing the opening match of the Amateur Club’s 5th edition of 5 Men Soccer Tournament inside the Children’s Park at Landmark Colony, Dimapur on Thursday.
The Park’s structuring, walled at the bottom and its entire upper-length fenced, gives it the feel of an enclosure. While it heightens the sense of closeness among the vociferous spectators, the enclosure also gives the players liberty to attempt the big ones and even the outrageous.
The first match was played between Amateur-B and SM College-B. In the first half, dominated by Amateur- B, both the teams failed to convert the opportunities, and settled for a draw at the break.
SM College- B rebounded with more possession in the second-half; the deadlock was broken in the when Rotsal scored for SM College- B.
But in the dying moments, Pulo of Amateur slammed home a goal, and the match ended at 1-1. In the tie-breaker, SM College outgunned the Amateurs 2-0. In the second match, Jalukie FC played against Kom Naga FC. Though it was well-contested, Naga FC emerged winners via the two goals scored by Joel.
Earlier, the chief guest of the opening ceremony, Lipok Pongen, former DMC member and advisor to Amateur Club, maintained that sport has the power to bring communities together.
“You may not know each other in other circumstances, but through sports, you come together and know each other, become friends. That way we unite ourselves in the society through the field of sports”.
He also lauded the organisers and remarked that they hardly have 20 years to celebrate silver anniversary. “You are a pillar of the colony” Pongen reminded the organisers, who are young members of the locality.
He encouraged the players to display the spirit of sportsmanship and that not everybody can win. “But even if you lose, you should work harder”, he said.
Altogether 24 teams are playing in the tournament. Out of which two teams are from SM College and one from LivingStone Foundation Higher Secondary School, Dimapur.
Taking to the organisers, they said that the tournament started in the year 2010 with a cash trophy of Rs 5000 and over 50 participants registered for the event which they had to reduce. The team played under a league system which ended after a month. After which the next tournament was reframed to knockout.
They also said that they wanted to promote Futsal in Nagaland and create a new platform for the amateur players as well.
