SFS Higher Secondary School Chümoukedima, GHS Meriema win Pre-Subroto titles

KOHIMA — SFS Higher Secondary School, Chümoukedima, on Tuesday night lifted the State Level Pre-Subroto Tournament 2025 in the Under-15 Boys category, while Government High School (GHS) Meriema clinched the title in the Under-17 Girls category.

The matches of the tournament, organised by the Department of Youth Resources and Sports (YRS) in collaboration with the Nagaland Football Association (NFA), were held at the Indira Gandhi Stadium (IGS), Kohima.

The runner-up for the Under-15 Boys was Christian School Molvom, Chümoukedima, while Government Middle School (GMS) L Khel Kohima won the runner-up in the Under-17 Girls category.

Also read: State Level Pre-Subroto Tournament 2025 underway in Kohima

Attending the closing ceremony as the special guest, S Keoshu Yimkhiung, Advisor for Youth Resources and Sports (YRS), expressed admiration for the talent and enthusiasm displayed throughout the tournament.

He lauded the players for their teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship, emphasising that every participant, whether they had won the trophy or not, had made their district proud. He added that every player who had stepped onto the field was a winner and that their dedication, courage, and fighting spirit had made the tournament truly memorable.

Congratulating the winning teams, Keoshu said they had shown what it means to strive for excellence and expressed hope that they would represent Nagaland with pride and honour at the upcoming Subroto Cup.

He also acknowledged the NFA for its vision and continued partnership in developing football at the grassroots level, describing its efforts as truly commendable. He recorded his appreciation for the coaches, referees, volunteers, and organising team for their behind-the-scenes contributions in ensuring the tournament was smooth, fair, and professional.

The advisor urged the players to carry forward the spirit of unity and healthy competition, stating that this should be a beginning, not an end, for every player. He encouraged them to continue striving for greater achievements and to keep the flame of sportsmanship burning brightly within them.

M. Beni Lamthiu, MLA, who is also the general secretary of the NFA and convenor of the Nagaland Super League (NSL), acknowledged the support of the YRS department in promoting sports. He also emphasised the increasing career opportunities in sports and encouraged both players and parents to take the game seriously.

The winners of the boys’ category will proceed to represent the state in Bangalore and the girls in Delhi, tentatively in the month of August.