Pochury Students' Union observes 66th Pochury Black Day at village in Meluri and announces 12th Memorial Cup tournament
DIMAPUR — The Pochury Students' Union (PSU) observed the 66th Pochury Black Day at Matikhrü village in Meluri on Sunday and announced that the 12th edition of the Pochury Black Day Memorial Cup will be held from September 15 to the 24th.
According to an update, the memorial proceedings commenced at 6:30 am at Sacred Freedom Park, where community members gathered to lay wreaths and pay homage during a tribute service led by Sievitho Kathe, President of Matikhrü Students’ Union.
The formal commemorative service was subsequently held at Matikhrü Baptist Church, chaired by Tsiarhotho Thsangkhure, General Secretary of PSU. Rümatho Nyusou, Executive Secretary of the Pochury Baptist Church Council (PBCC), attended the occasion as the guest speaker.
Speaking on the theme "From tragedy to promise: Finding hope in God’s unfailing love”, Nyusou called upon the gathering to place its hope and trust in God. He pointed out that while the memories of tragedy and sacrifice remain painful, faith in God’s unfailing love can provide strength, healing, and renewed hope.
He encouraged the community, particularly the younger generation, to honour the legacy of the pioneers by living with faith, unity, peace, and a sense of responsibility towards the future.
The congregation observed a one-minute silence in honour of the martyrs. The programme included an offertory prayer by Methuselah Pojar, Prayer Chairman of RPC Matikhrü, and a musical presentation titled “Mükü Mara Wa Mavi 1960", performed by Akho Thyorr and Sarah Perry.
Also read: Brief History of Pochury Black Day (6th September)
Reflecting on the historical significance and enduring spirit of the community, Rongley Leyri, President of PSU, delivered an address on the significance of the day.
Solidarity messages were delivered by Sierhosie Kajiri, General Secretary of Pochury Hoho, and Tvüse Perry, President of Pochury Mothers’ Association (PMA).
Meanwhile, as part of the continuing effort to preserve the memory and legacy associated with Pochury Black Day, the 12th edition of the Pochury Black Day Memorial Cup is scheduled to take place from September 15.
The football tournament is dedicated to honouring the memory and sacrifices of the forefathers who laid down their lives for the Naga cause. The tournament will bring together 16 teams or clubs competing for the championship title.
The champion will receive a cash prize of INR 1,00,000 along with a trophy, medals, and citation. The runner-up will receive INR 70,000 accompanied by a trophy, medals, and citation, while the two semi-finalists will each receive INR 30,000.
In addition to the team prizes, individual awards will be presented to outstanding players in recognition of their performances throughout the tournament. These include Most Promising Player, Best Defender, Best Goalkeeper, Player of the Tournament, and Highest Scorer.
The PSU stated that the Memorial Cup serves not only as a sporting event but also as a platform to keep alive the memory of the sacrifices of the forefathers while fostering sportsmanship, unity, discipline, and fellowship among the younger generation.