Champions Barak FC with K. Therie and others. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 21
Barak FC Peren today downed defending champions Nagaland Police (DGP team red) 2-1 to lift the 18th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy 2017 here at the Kohima Local Ground.
Khwetelhi Thopi opened for the account for Barak FC in the 21st minute. Kivi Jimo Sumi struck the second in the 45th minute. Nagaland Police made amends in the 74th through a strike from Ninja Golmei.
Salu Kulimbe of Barak FC, Lipoksashi of Nagaland Police, Ratobe Zeliang of Barak FC and Lima of Nagaland Police were cautioned with yellow cards.
Barak FC walked away with a cash prize of Rs. 1,60,000 along with a glittering Martyrs’ trophy. The trophy was sponsored by T. Atou Yhome & children.
Runners-up Nagaland Police pocketed Rs. 1 lakh along with trophy sponsored by James Liezietsu.
Third place Forerunners, 4th NAP Thizama and 4th place winners Tangkhul Students’ Union, Manipur were awarded with cash prizes of Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 30,000 sponsored by Dr. Neikhrielie Solo and Chuba Ozukum, respectively.
Held under the theme ‘Goal for peace’ under the aegis of the Angami Students’ Union, the annual tournament is organized in honour of late Kekuojalie Sachii of Kohima village and late Vikhozo Yhoshii of Kigwema village. Sachii and Yhoshii fell to police firing, when the students’ fraternity, on March 20, 1986 were on a peaceful procession organised by the Naga Students’ Federation to register the Nagas’ resentment against the state government’s decision to extend the Disturbed Area Belt from 5 km – 20 km along the Indo-Myanmar border and against the induction of Indian Police Service (IPS) cadres into the state of Nagaland.
Altogether, 51 teams vied for the title in the 18th edition.
Individual winners
Kekhrieletuo Tsira of Nagaland Police was the Player of the Tournament and awarded with scooty sponsored by Thinuokhrielie Yaotsu.
Best Custodian Nganga Zeliang of Barak FC awarded with Rs. 10,000 sponsored by Vitsilie Pienyii.
Salu Kulimbe of Barak FC as the Best Defender was awarded Rs. 10,000 sponsored by Ketoukholie Whuorie.
Pereishok Wungnao of Tangkhul Students’ Union was adjudged the best midfielder and awarded Rs. 10,000 sponsored by Cicilia Liezietsu of Rattle & Hum Lounge.
Kezhose Mathew of Forerunners 4th NAP Thizama as the Highest Scorer with 14 goals received Rs. 10,000 sponsored by Vikyato Sumi.
Team KVNS bagged the Fair Play award and received Rs. 10,000 sponsored by Naro Ki.
Meanwhile, losing quarter finalists Esii United FC Manipur, Tiema-Khe Kidima, Khyouchi FC Manipur and Lamphel FC Manipur received Rs. 10,000 each sponsored by Seyiekrol Angami, L. Mathibo and Kohima Bar Association.
‘There is no corruption in the sports’
Earlier, gracing the valedictory function as guest of honor, K. Therie, president Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) said that sports is loved by all walks of life, race and class of people.
“It unites our mind,” adding that results are purely based on merit and there is no corruption in sports.
“Your skill and strategy requires intellectual input and the very best effort. Victory belongs to brave, strong (and those with) patience and deep tolerance.”
Stating that Mongolians have received medals in the Olympics, Therie said “We are no different, we only need infrastructures. Government has to invest in our talents. It is time government provides at least synthetic grass playgrounds. Given the opportunity our youth can do it too.”
