KOHIMA — The 9th edition of the Morning Premier League (MPL) 2024 commenced at Indira Gandhi Stadium (IGS) Kohima on Tuesday.
Ten teams will be vying for the league tournament, which will stretch for six months.
Advisor for Law and Justice and Land Revenue, TN Mannen, the chief guest of the opening ceremony, said in his address that playing games and sports benefits a person in many ways. Beyond competition and entertainment, sports and games are essentially important for physical and mental health, he said.
He maintained that through games and sports, comradeship and new friendships are built, while a person also inculcates teamwork through the game.
Appreciating the organisers for the initiative, the advisor also observed that other districts in the state are also starting such sporting events. Mannen exuded hope that this would inspire a sports culture across the state.
Earlier, Sentiyanger, convenor of the MPL 2024 managing committee, who delivered the welcome address, informed that this year two new teams have joined the season, taking the total number of teams to ten.
Moamar administered the oath to the teams and a prayer was offered by Jonathan Mesen, pastor of Rengma Baptist Church Kohima.
The teams participating in this year’s edition are All Blacks, Eagle FC, Gethemgo, Kohima Police, Merhulietsa FC, Morning Football Club, Morung United, Mustang FC, Unity FC and Vanguard FC Old Boys.
The first match was played between Unity FC and Morung United.