DIMAPUR, JUN 4 (NPN): The inaugural edition of the Pre-Subroto International Tournament (Zone-I), organised by the Department of Youth Resources & Sports (DYRS) in collaboration with the Kohima District Football Association (KDFA), commenced on Thursday at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.
President of KDFA and Kohima Village Youth Organisation, M. Mathew Yhome, attended the opening programme as the special guest.
Addressing the participants, Yhome highlighted the significance of the Subroto Cup, recalling that selection for the tournament during his time was considered one of the highest honours for aspiring footballers.
Describing the present generation as fortunate, he said young players now have greater opportunities to represent Nagaland through their schools and encouraged them to make the most of the platform provided by the tournament.
Emphasising the importance of perseverance, Yhome reminded the athletes that success is achieved through dedication and hard work. He urged them to regard the tournament as the beginning of their sporting journey and an opportunity to showcase their talents.
Calling on the participants to identify and nurture their strengths, he encouraged them to focus on a chosen discipline and pursue it with commitment and professionalism.
Yhome also acknowledged the contributions of Director of Youth Resources & Sports, Kethosituo Sekhose, stating that sports development in Nagaland has witnessed significant progress under his leadership and initiatives.
He further cited former India footballers Roko Angami and Vizovor Liezietsu as role models, noting that their achievements were the result of discipline, dedication and sportsmanship.
Urging the youth to stay away from negative influences, Yhome encouraged them to become responsible individuals who would bring pride to their families, schools and communities. Wishing the teams success, he expressed hope that the two teams qualifying from the tournament would represent Zone-I with distinction at the state-level competition.
The programme was chaired by District Youth Resources and Sports Officer (DYRSO) Atoli Yepthomi, while Senior Vice-President of KDFA Khriengulie Rio invoked God’s blessings for the tournament.
A total of seven teams from Kohima, Phek, Tseminyu and Meluri districts are competing for two berths in the State-Level Pre-Subroto Tournament.
