19TH NSF MARTYRS’ MEMORIAL TROPHY 2018 KICKS START: Rising Star Mizoram beats Asufü CI Manipur

Our Correspondent
Kohima | September 22

Rising Star Mizoram today overpowered strong opponent Asufü Christian Institute Manipur 2-1 in the opening match of the 19th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy 2018 here at Kohima Local Ground held under the theme “Goal for Peace,”   Byrain opened the account for Rising Star in the 3rd minute and the team took 1-0 lead till the first half.  

The equalizing goal for Asufü CI came through the boot of Manio in the 52nd minute.  

Fiat Khongsai netted the winning goal for Rising Star in the 58th minute.  

With today’s win, Rising Star will face Khrietho FC Zhadima in its second leg on October 1.   A total of 47 teams will be competing of the trophy this year, with the final slated on October 20.  

This is a tournament with a purpose: Ozukum

Earlier, gracing the opening ceremony as special invitee, PWD Minister Tongpang Ozukum lauded Angami Students’ Union (ASU) for successfully hosting the 19th edition of the trophy, thus keeping it for 32 years since 1986.  

“This tournament is with a cause; this is a tournament for a purpose,” Ozukum said adding that as long as this tournament continues, the memory of our martyrs will be kept alive.  

In this, the minister made a fervent appeal to ASU to continue to take initiative despite other priorities that they have as a students’ organization.  

Held annually in honour and remembrance of Late Kekuojalie Sachu of Kohima village and Late Vikhozo Yhoshü of Kigwema village, who were were victims to the indiscriminate firings of the Armed Police from Alichen on March 20, 1986.  

The students’ fraternity was on peaceful duty call of the NSF’s to register Nagas resentment against the state government’s decision to the extension of Disturbed Area Belt from 5KM to 20KM along the Indo-Myanmar Border and also against the induction of Indian Police Service cadres into the state of Nagaland.  

To this end, Ozukum maintained the trophy is one of the oldest, most consistent and most reputed football tournaments of Nagaland.  

“It is a tournament to promote young talents, it is a tournament to bring unity within the people of Nagaland and outside, to show that “We Care” about our late Martyrs, it is tournament to say ‘No’ to violence against innocent students as well as mankind, it is indeed a tournament to bring peace in our society,” he added.  

Everyone is destined to die but the Late Kekuojalie and Late Vikhozo have boldly chosen to die as martyrs and has gone down in the history of the students community under the aegis of NSF, the Minister said adding “We honour their sacrifice.”  

Expressing happiness over the participation outside teams from Manipur and Mizoram in the 19th edition, the minister said “Your participation has added more flavor to the tournament and portrayed a positive image of Nagaland state amongst the sports fraternity of the country.”  

Goal for Peace

NSF president Kesosul Christopher Ltu in his solidarity message said that all over the world the game of football is known as the beautiful game and in the context of the Nagas too it is the beautiful game being played to convey the message of peace and harmony.  

“I stand here with firm conviction that the participating teams, the organizing committee, the spectators and football fans will all come together to champion the mission and fulfill our target to goal to peace,” Ltu said.  

The inaugural function was chaired by ASU president Visako Rino while ASU games & sports secretary Meguo Ratsa administered oath to the participating teams.  

Organizing committee convenor Voto Neikha delivered welcome address.  

Youth Resources & Sports Advisor Er. Zale Neikha, Rural Development Advisor Dr. Neikiesalie (Nicky) Kire, Nagaland Football Coaches Association President Roko Angami and several other dignitaries graced the opening ceremony.  

September 24 matches

1st Match Thürütsüswümi SU Phek vs Friends United New Market @ 12:00 noon

2nd Match Kohima Science College vs Lower Jail YO @ 2:00 PM