Nagaland: 14th Marsosang football trophy begins

The 14th edition of the Marsosang Football Trophy commenced on Monday at the Langpangkong Tsükong GHS Chuchuyimlang playground, with Director of Nagaland State Lotteries, Imsongmeren, gracing the opening ceremony as the special guest.
Addressing the gathering, the special guest lauded the organizers for sustaining the tournament for 31 years and underscored its significance as a platform for youth. He urged players to uphold discipline on and off the field and expressed hope that they would go on to represent the district in larger tournaments such as the Dr. T. Ao Trophy.
In his welcome address, T. Temsu of the MFT Organizing Committee recalled that the tournament was first launched in 1994 by the family of late ex-MLA Tsukjemwati in honour of Marsosang, with the aim of encouraging youth through football. Since its inception, the Rocky Club has managed the event with the family’s support. Temsu reminded participants that winning is not everything, stressing the importance of discipline, sportsmanship, and meaningful participation. Compere Temsusenla Jamir highlighted that the Marsosang Trophy honours Marsosang’s contributions to community welfare and has grown into the district’s second-largest football event after the MDFA Trophy. Held biennially, the tournament draws teams from across Mokokchung while fostering camaraderie and youth development. Past champions include the inaugural winners, Riongsanger Sporting Cup (1994), and N. Obang Memorial Football Team, the 2023 title holders.
This year, 11 teams are vying for the title: Tongpangsanger Club, Vision Sporting Club, Rocky Club, Aroju Club, Team Saturday, Morung Boys United FC, Marsosang Sporting Club, Young Vision, Merasen, United Brothers, and N. Obang Memorial FT. The tournament will culminate on December 13.
The prize money includes Rs. 1.5 lakh for the champions, Rs. 1 lakh for the runners-up, and Rs. 10,000 for the losing semi-finalists, along with individual awards and a best-disciplined team prize.