Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, AUG 22 (NPN): United Brothers FC emerged as the champions of the Dimapur Lotha Youth Organisation (DLYO) first edition of the Night Penalty Shootout Tournament 2026 after defeating Nitsiyan FC in the final on August 22 at the State Stadium, near Court Junction, Dimapur.
The tournament was held under the theme “Beyond the Goalpost: Building Brotherhood Through Football,” with president of the Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF), Zasivikho Zakiesato as the special guest.
The tournament brought together football enthusiasts and youth from different communities (38 teams), with organisers highlighting sports as a platform to foster unity, friendship and social harmony beyond competition.
The champions United Brothers FC walked away with a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh, while the runners-up received Rs. 50,000. Losing semi-finalists Sudden Death FC and Flying Ducks also received Rs. 5000 each while the best goalkeeper Gojen Hanse also received Rs. 5000.
Speaking as the special guest, president of the Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF), Zasivikho Zakiesato, lauded DLYO for choosing a theme that placed brotherhood above competition and urged the youth to become builders of a united Dimapur.
He said leadership was not about holding positions of authority but about dedicating oneself to the growth and well-being of society. Whether through sports or social service, he said every individual had a responsibility to contribute towards making Dimapur a stronger and more harmonious city.
Zakiesato noted that challenges were inevitable in life, but sports possessed the unique ability to bring people together by teaching discipline, teamwork and mutual respect. He said the message of “Beyond the Goalpost” reflected the true spirit of football, where victories become meaningful only when they strengthen relationships among people.
Calling the youth, the future of the nation, he stressed that development should never be confined to a single tribe or community. Instead, he urged Nagas to celebrate each other’s success, saying that when one community progresses, the entire society moves forward.
“The time for living in unhealthy competition is over. We must strive for excellence, create something meaningful and leave footprints that inspire the next generation,” he said.
Citing James Kithan as an example, Zakiesato said the footballer had not only brought honour to the Lotha community but had also become a source of pride for the whole of Nagaland. Wherever he played, he said, Kithan represented the state with dignity and demonstrated how individual achievement could inspire an entire generation of aspiring athletes.
He further acknowledged that Nagaland might still be developing in comparison to some other northeastern states in sports, but said dedicated athletes like Kithan were carrying the torch forward and proving that determination could overcome limitations. He assured DUCCF’s continued encouragement and best wishes for the footballer’s future endeavours.
Emphasising that the tournament was about much more than prize money, Zakiesato said its real purpose was to spread brotherhood across communities, remove tribal barriers and encourage collective responsibility for the welfare of Dimapur. As the gateway to Nagaland, he added, the city deserved the united efforts of all its citizens to make it a better place for future generations.
Delivering the welcome address, president of DLYO, Nzanbemo Humstsoe, welcomed participants, guests and spectators, stating that the tournament was envisioned not merely as a sporting event but as an initiative to strengthen bonds among communities through football.
A special felicitation was accorded to James Kithan, recognising his achievements as a national football player and for bringing pride to Nagaland through his sporting career.
Following the address, Zasivikho Zakiesato officially kicked off the Night Penalty Shootout Tournament 2026, marking the beginning of the football competition.
The inaugural programme was chaired by Narsen W. Yanthan, while the DLYO anthem was followed by an opening prayer offered by pastor of LBCD and advisor to DLYO, Rev. Dr. Yanbemo Lotha.