DIMAPUR — The ‘3rd edition of Nagaland Football Association (NFA) Referee Recruitment-cum-Upgradation Course 2024’, which was held in collaboration with All India Football Federation (AIFF), concluded at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima on June 23.
Kohima District Football Referees Association (KDFRA) hosted the programme which commenced on June 17.
Addressing the closing programme, Mhasimhalie Matthew Yhome, president of Kohima District Football Association (KDFA) stressed the need to build a healthy relationship amongst the football associations, coaches and referees to promote the sport in Nagaland.
Today, in football family, only association will not bring positive results. The associations, coaches and referees have to work in unison, he said, while urging to help each other and grow together.
Yhome thanked Joychandra Singh, referee instructor AIFF and Zonal Referee Development Officer (ZRDO) North East Zone, for producing a national football referee from Nagaland in Mechievilie Yashü, while expressing hope that more would follow.
Singh said the next target is to produce one female national referee from Nagaland, as the already has one male national referee.
Also speaking at the function, Nagaland Football Coaches Association (NFCA) president Roko Angami said: “As a referee, you are the king in the ground.”
Challenging the referees to stick to football laws and exercise fairness and honesty in their judgment, he said there should not be any room for bias and favouritism.
Kevingutuo Sekhose, Head of Referees (HOR), Nagaland, also spoke at the function chaired by Medozevi Punyii, course co-ordinator and general secretary KDFRA. Kuzolie Neihu, Level 6 candidate and member KDFRA, proposed the vote of thanks and Neivikhoto Vielie, active senior referee candidate and member of KDFRA, offered the thanksgiving prayer.