Kohima District Football Association (KDFA) organised a felicitation programme at 2K Hotel, here on Friday to honour the Nagaland Football Team (40+) champions of 6th National Masters Games 2024 held recently in Goa.
Special guest for the event, Retd DGP Nagaland and president, Nagaland Veteran Football Association, K Kire, in his remark, heartily congratulated the team for bringing laurels to the state through their win.
He said Nagaland Veteran Football Association was formed 13 years ago and it has been organising its tournament every year except during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said the association wanted to provide a platform for the senior players who might or might not have played at any major event but wanted to continue playing even when they were older.
He observed that many veteran players were so committed in the game even today they pay for their expenses to attend tournaments organised for veterans.
He said some families could be facing financial issues because of such additional expenses, however, their commitment for the event always remains remarkable.
Kire said for Nagas, football was the most important and loved game and people, irrespective of age continue to enjoy the game. He lauded the Nagaland team for making numerous sacrifices on top of bringing laurel to the state.
He observed that the players had paid for their own expenses apart from spending money during their training and other unseen expenses. He stated since they played for Nagaland, government should also cover some of the expenses.
“I really wish the sports department have some funds reserved for not only the Olympic disciplines but even other competitions like this Masters Games. Players from the state has been participating in the event since 2019 but at their own expenses,” he said.
Whether an event is recognised by the Olympic or not since the players had brought laurels to the state, such players should be helped out by the government departments, he said.
Earlier sharing the greetings, president Nagaland Football Association and executive member, All India Football Association, K Neibou Sekhose, congratulated the players for bringing laurels to the state.
He expressed his appreciation at the sacrifices and hard work the players put in to go and compete and win the trophy. He also thanked those working behind the scene and also organising the felicitation programme in their honour.
Short speeches about the team’s journey were delivered by president, Nagaland Football Coaches Association and vice president, Nagaland Masters Games, Roko Angami and president, KDFA, Mhasimhalie Matthew Yhome.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by women coordinator KDFA, Dziesevinuo Yhoshü Lam while invocation was offered by deacon, Nagabazar Baptist Church, Thepfuzakie Suohu.
Welcome address was delivered by finance secretary KDFA, Metekhrielie Mejura, a special number was presented by Neilaü Thaprü while vote of thanks was proposed by press secretary KDFA, Medolenuo Ambrocia Loucü.