Staff reporter
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 26
The 5th Nagaland Inter-District Veteran Football Championship got underway this morning at DDSC Stadium with Parliamentary Secretary for IT & Communication, Technical Education, Science & Technology and Taxes Tovihoto Ayemi as the chief guest. The four-day tournament is being organized by Dimapur District Veteran Football Association (DDVFA) under the theme ‘Fraternity through football’ with the aim to promote unity and friendship and also to spread the message of unity among the young and old alike.
Altogether, eight out of the 11 districts are participating in the tournament. The eight participating teams are Dimapur, Kohima, Longleng, Mokokchung, Peren, Tuensang, Wokha and Kiphire.
Speaking at the inaugural function, the chief guest urged the veteran players to exhibit their true sportsmanship skills and qualities during the tournament.
“No doubt, football is the world’s most popular game and it is very encouraging to learn that football veterans of our state are still active and enthusiastic to keep the excitement of the game alive,” Ayemi said.
Underlining that health is the primary concern of a sportsperson, the Parliamentary Secretary advised the veterans to keep themselves fit and healthy. To this, he said “Keeping yourself fit, you can contribute a lot in the society not only in sports but in other aspects as well.”
He also expressed happiness after learning the participation of a 69 year old in the tournament.
“This shows that football veterans in the State are fulfilling their responsibility to encourage the youngsters in the game of football,” he said further expressing hope that the tournament will foster unity and friendship among the players and beyond.
The four-day tournament will conclude on November 29 with the final to be played on December 2.
Parliamentary Secretary for Law & Justice, Land Revenue and Labour & Employment, Dr. Nicky Kire and DCCI president, Hokivi Chishi also attended the inaugural function besides a host of dignitaries and invitees.
