The first edition of the Longleng District Football League concludes with MLA A Pongshi Phom attending the closing ceremony.
DIMAPUR — The first edition of the Longleng District Football League concluded on August 22, with MLA and Advisor for Airways and Railways, A Pongshi Phom, attending the closing ceremony as the special guest.
According to a DIPR report, the league was organised by the Longleng District Football Association (LDFA).
In the final match, the United Nyenching Club defeated Irenic FC by 2-1.
The individual awardees were the following: Best Coach, P Bushing Phom of Laimeishem Club; Emerging Player, Chingyang Y Phom of Ya-Ouh FC; Best Player and Golden Boot, I Phongyei Phom of Irenic FC; and Best Goalkeeper, Y Baüang Phom.
Earlier, delivering his speech, the special guest expressed gratitude to everyone who rendered selfless service during the untold hardships faced by the people of the district during the disaster caused by heavy downpours, which resulted in irreparable losses.
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He lauded Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, MLA and advisor for the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), the Indian Air Force, the Nagaland State Transport Department, various departments headed by the deputy commissioner and superintendent of police, the People’s Patriotic Council (PPC), Phomla Hoichem, the Phom Students’ Conference (PSC), the Chamber of Commerce, village councils, welfare unions, non-governmental organisations, individuals, and well-wishers for their contribution and support extended to the people during the disaster.
He also thanked the general public for their patience, cooperation, and faith in the government of the day and appealed to the citizens of Longleng to continue their joint efforts and extend all possible assistance in the days to come.
Congratulating the finalists for making it through hard work and dedication, he expressed appreciation to the president, his team, and the planning committee for organising such an important event to give a platform to the younger generation in achieving their dreams.
He encouraged the LDFA to continue with such progressive activities and expressed hope that the tournament would not go in vain, as many young talents would have the opportunity to participate in the 25th edition of the Dr. T Ao Inter-District Football Championship.
He also informed that the Nagaland United Sports Club is all set to make a significant step into national football after reaching an agreement to acquire the Aizawl Football Club’s Indian Football League (IFL) licence. If approved by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Nagaland United is expected to play their home matches in Dimapur, marking the state’s entry into the Indian Football League.
Noting that Manipur is widely known as the powerhouse of sports or the sports capital of India, he said the youngsters of the Longleng district have the inborn talent and potential to make Longleng the footballer district of Nagaland, calling upon the youth to contribute in every possible way to achieve this goal.
Stating that problems originate from within rather than outside, and that people are often blinded by hurdles such as bias, favouritism, unfair means, and unjust acts, he urged everyone to have a strong commitment not to abuse authority but to be fair and just in every game and sport.
He called upon players to stay away from drugs, substance abuse, intoxicants, and antisocial activities.