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DIMAPUR — The second edition of the Peren District Football League (PDFL), organised by the Peren District Football Association (PDFA) in collaboration with the New Jalukie Super League, kicked off at the New Jalukie local ground on Saturday. The theme for this year’s league is ‘Fostering brotherhood, nurturing football’.
The opening ceremony of the month-long tournament was attended by Kethosituo Sekhose, director of Youth Resources and Sports, as the special guest, according to a DIPR report.
In his address, Sekhose said that Peren district is exceptionally blessed with talent and highlighted that the district has produced superior players due to the tireless efforts of local leaders and the dedication of the athletes themselves.
He lauded the PDFA for organising the league and added that the government is focused on promoting sports by providing infrastructure and projects. He also mentioned that the government aims to promote sports without gender or physical discrimination.
In this regard, he urged parents, especially those with talented children, to encourage their participation in tournaments and training camps so they can showcase their talents on the world stage in the future.
Earlier, in his welcome address, PDFA president Raithu Newmai said that the PDFA organised the league with the vision of providing a platform for its talented players to showcase their skills and bring joy to the fans.
He also informed that, through this league, the PDFA will be selecting the district team for the upcoming Dr. T Ao Trophy, scheduled to be held in September in Tuensang.
Altogether, eight clubs are participating: Puiteing FC, Kuki FC, Jalukie Falcons FC, Benreu FC, Lekie Mtei FC, Ngaulong NYO FC, Nchangram Lun FC, and Kingdom Stewards FC.
Among those present at the inaugural function were additional director of the Department of Youth Resources and Sports Megolhu Dolie, Nagaland Football Association president K Neibou Sekhose, Nagaland Football Coaches Association president Roko Angami, ADC Jalukie T L Kiusumong Tikhir, and DSO Peren Asekho Talie.
The opening match featured defending league champion Puiteing FC, who secured a comfortable 5-2 win over debutant Kuki FC. In a nail-biting second match, Jalukie Falcon FC defeated Benreu FC 2-1.
The auction, held in the last week of July, saw a total expenditure of INR 4.67 lakh, with 29 players finding new teams, according to a press release from
In this second edition of the league, each club has been allotted three guest players from outside the district. Players from neighbouring states, Assam and Manipur, are also participating in the league. The league will conclude in September.