The 7th edition of Late Captain Neikezhakuo Kengurüse, MVC, Memorial Football tournament 2023 began motto “Pride, Passion & Perseverance” at IG Stadium, here on Wednesday. The tournament was organised by Assam Rifles on behalf of HQ 3 Corps in collaboration with Nagaland Football Association (NFA).
In the opening match, Tiema Khe Kidima (Kohima) defeated Lozu FC (Zunheboto) 4-2. Lozu’s Ghukhe Chishi opened the score sheet with the first goal in the 8th minute of the game with was quickly equalised by Tiema’s Dupisa Pucho in the 9th minute.
Later in the 20th minute, Lozu’s Khuvishe Swu doubled the score for the team. Tiema’s Dupisa went on the score 2 more goals in the 39th and 55th minutes earning the first hat-trick while teammate Vizapo Phinyo scored the 4th goal in the 90th minute.
Earlier, during the inaugural, IGAR (N), Major General Vikas Lakhera, Sena Medal, in his address said it was a matter of great pride for him to be standing at the solemn occasion and also sitting with the parents of the martyr who had inspired numerous youths from this State to don the uniform and serve the nation with pride.
He said the motto signified the pride of the Naga people and Security Forces towards the rich history, culture, bravery and the passion of Nagas towards football as well as to acknowledge the persistent efforts in ensuring victory be it the field of sports, military operations or life in general.
Lakhera said that sports and discipline go together and that is why, in Assam Rifles and all security forces, sports was an integral part of their daily routine.
He observed that a sportsman could not be undisciplined and an undisciplined person cannot be a sportsman and that sports teaches team spirit and leadership.
Lakhera said he was hopeful that all the teams participating in this tournament were there to strive and win this magnificent trophy that had been unveiled.
While some team will win and some will lose, the IGAR reminded that ultimately it would be the Naga spirit and the game which would emerge victorious.
He expressed hope that the tournament over the next nine days would bring the people together as they root for their respective teams and celebrate the true Naga love and passion for football. Lakhera complimented 2nd Battalion of the Rajputana Rifles, the battalion of Late Capt N Kenguruse, MVC (P), which, in true spirit of camaraderie, had sent its representatives for the event from Kolkata to Kohima. President NFA, K Neibou Sekhose, in his address, paid rich tributes to Late Capt Kengurüse and called him a great man who had sacrificed for the country by laying down his life.
He expressed gratitude to AR for turning his supreme sacrificed into the choice of games, football, household name in the State and the most popular game in the world. He appealed to the AR to introduce “Football for School” in every Regimental Schools as a grassroot programme, initiated by the president of AIFF Kalyan Chaubey who had laid the foundation during his first visit to the State.
He observed that team sports like football teaches important life skills such as teamwork, communication, leadership and time management as players collaborate to achieve a common goal, learn to value individual strengths while acknowledging the significance of collective effort.
He pointed out that to be the best or come out on top, one need to walk the extra mile, have confidence with a determination to face the challenge.
Sekhose said just because something was difficult, it does not mean that was impossible, the best for tomorrow was doing today. Earlier, father of late N Kengurüse, Neiselie in a short speech, thanked the organisers, well-wishers and all the teams for making the event a success.
During the half time, special performances were made by Mengu Suokhrie and friends, AR Jazz Band and the Nomads.
Thursday’s matches
1st match: Liangmai FC vs Head Hunter FC – 8 a.m.
2nd match: Viswemi FC vs Western Sumi Sports Association – 1 p.m.