Dimapur, October 12: Loyem Memorial Senior Soccer Open Championship 2016 began on October 12 at the Parade ground Tuensang with Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio as the chief guest of the inaugural programme. The tournament has been organised by the Confederation of Chang Students Union on the theme ‘Aspire, Inspire, Achieve’.
Rio in his speech stressed on the importance of football and its scope in the state. He also narrated how Dr. T Ao brought recognition to Nagas through football and advised the players to be committed and excel in football. Nagas have talents in sports but we fail to avail the right opportunity, a DIPR report quoted Rio as saying.
He urged the players to be committed, disciplined and bring laurel to our state. “Sports does not need status to play, irrespective of race or caste but who have talent can play and achieve,’’ he added. He also referred to the recent Olympic champions and how they have excelled and brought laurels to the nation. Basing on the theme, he advised all to play in the right spirit, exhibit their talents and become achievers.
The first match was played between defending champions, Frontier FC and DEF FC, which was won 3-1 by the defending champions.
