Seven school teams from Kohima, Phek, Tseminyu, and Meluri compete in the Pre-Subroto International Tournament (Zone-I) in Kohima.
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DIMAPUR — The inaugural programme of the Pre-Subroto International Tournament (Zone-I), organised by the Department of Youth Resources and Sports (DYRS) in collaboration with the Kohima District Football Association (KDFA), commenced on Thursday at the Indira Gandhi (IG) Stadium in Kohima.
According to an update, seven teams are competing for two slots to represent the zone at the state-level tournament. The competing teams represent Kohima, Phek, Tseminyu, and Meluri districts.
M Mathew Yhome, President of the KDFA and President of the Kohima Village Youth Organisation, attended the occasion as the special guest.
Addressing the participating players, Yhome reflected on the significance of the tournament, stating that during his time, selection for the Subroto International Tournament was considered one of the highest honours, with players competing intensely for the opportunity.
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"Today, you are a privileged generation. You have the opportunity to represent Nagaland through your schools, beginning right from this ground," he said.
He reminded the young athletes that success does not come overnight and encouraged them to view the tournament as a stepping stone rather than a destination. "This tournament is not the finish line. It is your first step and your first chance to show the world what God has placed inside you," he said.
Encouraging the participants to discover and develop their individual talents, Yhome urged them to focus on one sporting discipline and pursue it with dedication and professionalism.
Highlighting the progress of sports in the state, he acknowledged the contributions of Kethosituo Sekhose, Director of Youth Resources and Sports, under whose leadership and initiatives sports development in Nagaland has seen significant advancement.
Urging the youth to stay away from negative influences, Yhome encouraged them to become responsible individuals who would make their parents, schools, and communities proud.
"Play hard. Play fair. Make us proud. As the best two teams from this tournament go on to represent Zone-I at the State Tournament, I wish you all the very best. Make Kohima District proud," he said.