KCCI marks Golden Jubilee with futsal c’ship

KOHIMA, OCT 15 (NPN): Kohima Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) organised an inter-ward futsal championship at Khuochiezie (Kohima Local Ground) on Thursday as part of its Golden Jubilee celebrations.
Addressing the inaugural programme, Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) chairman Neibodzelie Solo congratulated KCCI on completing 50 years, describing the milestone as a legacy built through the dedication and commitment of those who had served the organisation over the decades.
Solo appreciated the organising committee and acknowledged the Kohima Town Club (KTC) and Kohima District Football Association (KDFA) for their partnership in organising the sporting event. He also thanked the Kohima Press Club (KPC), the media partner, along with volunteers, supporters and well-wishers who contributed to the championship.
Urging the participating teams to compete with determination, fairness and respect for their opponents, Solo said true sportsmanship lay not only in celebrating victory but also in accepting defeat gracefully.
He expressed hope that the competition would strengthen unity and friendship among residents, beyond the rivalries on the futsal court.
In his presidential address, KCCI president Ruokuoneilie Kesiezie said sports brought people from different backgrounds together. While the teams competed for the trophy, he said, the championship had a larger purpose of fostering unity and strengthening community bonds.
Kesiezie said the Golden Jubilee marked more than 50 years of the organisation’s existence, honouring generations of traders, elders and Kohima residents who had built businesses from humble beginnings and helped shape the town and its marketplace.
The programme was chaired by Vizosienuo Shüya, while KABA associate pastor Lipoknungsang Jamir offered the invocation. Keziah Semy presented a special number.
Highlights of championship: Ward No. 4 (Naga Bazaar) made a dominant start to the Kohima Inter-Ward Futsal Championship with a 16-0 thrashing of Ward No. 2 (B) (Bayavü), with Hanchu scoring seven goals.
In other matches, Ward No. 8 (New Market) B and A teams, Ward No. 7 (Daklane) B and Ward No. 19B (P.R. Hill) advanced through tie-breakers after their respective matches ended in draws.
Ward No. 1 (High School) A defeated Ward No. 9 (Midland) A 6-4, while Ward No. 3 (North Block) B beat Ward No. 1B (High School/Peraciezie) 8-2. Ward No. 5 (Kitsübozou) B defeated Ward No. 17 (Agri/Forest/Electrical Colony) 4-1, while Ward No. 16 edged Ward No. 3 (North Block) A 4-3 in the final match of the day.