Okusa Toyota felicitates footballers Ghuqhe Chishi and Vinato Achumi on joining Nagaland United SC for Indian Football League.
DIMAPUR — Okusa Toyota, Chümoukedima, organised a felicitation programme on Saturday for Ghuqhe Chishi and Vinato Achumi on their selection to represent Nagaland United Sports Club in the Indian Football League (IFL).
Addressing the gathering, Club Coordinator of Nagaland United Sports Club Gentleson Vashum said sports brought people together, transcending religious and cultural boundaries. He observed that sports united people across the world.
Vashum noted that football is particularly popular in the Northeast, citing the region's physical attributes, agility, and flexibility.
Congratulating Ghuqhe Chishi and Vinato Achumi, Vashum expressed hope that their achievements would inspire younger players and create a path for the next generation. He underlined the need to develop a strong sporting ecosystem by providing opportunities and building adequate infrastructure.
He further informed that Nagaland United SC had acquired Aizawl FC, which finished seventh among 10 teams in the previous season and retained its I-League licence. As a result, the club would enter the Indian Football League, bypassing I-League 3 and I-League 2. The winner of the IFL would qualify for the Indian Super League, he added.
Vashum stated that Nagaland United SC would play its opening match against Real Kashmir FC in Srinagar on October 30. According to the fixtures, the team would play 20 matches, comprising 10 home and 10 away games.
He said the Chümoukedima football ground would serve as the club's home venue, adding that FIFA-approved artificial turf would be installed to improve playing conditions. Vashum said the initiative was aimed at encouraging the younger generation to take up sports and steer them away from drugs and other harmful activities.
Expressing optimism about the club's future, he said that Nagaland United SC would emerge as a symbol of Nagaland in the eyes of the world, adding that the team's achievements would represent the pride of all Nagas.
Delivering the welcome address, MD of Okusa Toyota Y Vikheho Swu said the company had always aspired to contribute to the development and progress of Naga society beyond its commercial operations.
He said Okusa Toyota had been supporting sports and music in whatever capacity possible, adding that while felicitating the two footballers, the company was also extending support to the Dr. T Ao Trophy currently underway in Mokokchung.
Swu congratulated Chishi and Achumi on their selection and attributed growing sporting opportunities to the vision of the chief minister, who initiated the Nagaland Super League to promote sports, music, and other sectors.
Interacting with media persons, 20-year-old central midfielder Ghuqhe Chishi expressed happiness over his selection to Nagaland United Sports Club. Nineteen-year-old Vinato Achumi plays as a right winger.
Chishi informed that training would begin on Monday at IG Stadium in Kohima ahead of their opening match against Real Kashmir FC in Srinagar on October 30. He expressed hope of bringing laurels to the state and thanked family members and coaches for their support.