Dimapur, Sep. 6 (EMN): Ginoka Chophi Open Football Tournament kicked off on Monday at Suhoi village football ground in Dimapur district.
An update informed that Khehovi V Chophi, President of Dimapur District GBs Association kicked off the tournament. It said that the tournament aims to encourage talented youngsters in the field of football.
Speaking on the occasion, Khehovi Chophi said that more effort should be given at the grassroots level to develop games and sports and urged leaders alike to encourage the youngsters by providing them platforms, it read.
Mughato Aye, Nagaland state football coach and President of Dimapur District Football Association appreciated Ginoka for taking personal interest in the development of football in the region. He was hopeful that the event would go a long way, it said.
An avid sportsperson himself, Ginoka qualified in sports management and was playing club football in Kolkata before the pandemic struck and brought everything to a grinding halt. Presently rendering his services to the sports fraternity as assistant general secretary of Dimapur District Football Association, he felt it was necessary to provide enough opportunity for the youngsters to hone their talent and the ensuing tournament is an effort to draw the young talents towards sports, it stated.
20 teams from Dimapur district are participating in the tournament to win a cash prize of INR 80,000 besides individual prizes. The inaugural match was played between KGSA team and Hoito FC, which ended in a 4-4 draw, it added.