Classic Cup: Rustic Boys FC beat New Reserve Youth Organisation 4–1

25^th edition commences with dignified opening and thrilling match

[caption id="attachment_281264" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Players of Rustic Boys FC and New Reserve Youth Organisation along with Akumla Chuba and the organising committee during a photo session before the inaugural match of the Classic Cup in Kohima on Monday[/caption] Our Correspondent Mon. Nov. 4 (EMN): Rustic Boys FC from Thizama trounced New Reserve Youth Organisation in the inaugural match of the 25th edition of the Classic Cup on Monday at Khuociezie (local ground) in Kohima. This year’s tournament is being organised under the theme, "Together We Can" by the Classic Club. In the first match of the silver jubilee edition of the tournament, Ngamlumbe scored the first goal of the tournament in favour of Rustic Boys FC in the record time of 95 seconds from the kick off to take the lead. Lohrü doubled up the score for Rustic Boys in the 22nd minute to double the score-line making it 2-0 till the halftime. Coming back after the break, Rustic Boys added two more goals through Dhale in the 40th minute and Lyangao in the 45th minute respectively to seal off the game and enter second round. The consolation goal for New Reserve Youth Organisation came through the boots of Joel from a spot kick conversion in the dying moments of the game with a final score of 4-1 in favour of Rustic Boys. Earlier, the inaugural match was graced by Akumla Chuba, director of youth resources and sports department. Congratulating the Classic Club during the opening ceremony for attaining its 25 years, she lauded the members of the club for their active role in the society while also focusing on the development of games and sports among the youths. She appreciated the club for its consistency in organising the tournament since 1995 with inspiring themes and acknowledged them for their philanthropic activities and the club’s prestigious ‘ Classic Award ’ . "It is on all these aspects, we see that the club is a pioneer, setting up examples for us to emulate," she added. Chuba maintained that Nagas are talented and competent in many disciplines but cautioned the people should not be complacent and bask in past glory and achievements of notable athletes. Referring to the recently concluded “catch them young tournament ” and other coaching camps, the director claimed that the YR&S Department has been eagerly scouting footballers to give them a chance to participate in the state level tournaments . Stating that it is high time for the stakeholders , be it the Classic Club, football associations and the department to come to an understanding that they are all working towards a common goal, she urged to promote the game with the “ best ability with help and input from one another ” . President Classic Club K. Neibou Sekhose informed that the club was founded in 1994 with the motto, "Aiming Higher". He maintained that the club focuses on the development of games and sports especially among the youth and to promote social awareness in the society. "In the 25 years since its inception, the club has endeavoured to achieve this vision by organising different kinds of tournaments and programmes and the Classic Cup is one of its main events," he shared. He informed that the prize money has been doubled to celebrate the club's anniversary and that attractive awards are there for the players, coaches, managers, officials and photographers. Sekhose informed that the champions will walk away with INR three lakh, trophy and certificates; runners up with INR two lakh, trophy and certificates; losing semi-finalists with INR 50000 each, and certificates besides various other prizes.