Players of Sports Society Suyim and Konyak Students’ Union Mokokchung (KSUM) along with members of MDFA and guests at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung on October 17. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | October 17
The Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) Trophy 2022 officially kicked off at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung on October 17. A total of 14 are participating in this year’s tournament.
The opening match of the trophy was played between Sports Society Suyim (SSS) and Konyak Students’ Union Mokokchung (KSUM) where the new entrants to the trophy, KSUM, won 4-2. Khampei and Kapzei T of KSUM scored two goals each for the team in the 35th and 60th minutes and the 39th and 76th minutes, respectively. Shiponglepba and Shilumayang of SSS scored one goal each in the 48th and 86th minutes.
Benei M Lamthiu, MLA, Nagaland Legislative Assembly and General Secretary, Nagaland Football Association (NFA) was the inaugural guest at the opening ceremony.
Addressing the audience, he pointed out that sports have become a global industry and that it is the most loved and watched game globally.
Football can offer many opportunities if chosen as a career in sports as well as other sports-related jobs if it is played professionally rather than just a hobby, he said, adding that like religion, athletics brings people together and illuminates a person’s character.
Lamthiu further encouraged the players to keep working harder in spite of the poor infrastructure in the state and shared that a state league is in the pipeline.
Clarifies on suspension of players
The NFA General Secretary also addressed the issue of the suspension of some players, stating: “There have been lots of rumours going on regarding the suspension of some players. For that, our office has not come out with an order yet.”
He further stated that the NFA has set up a disciplinary action committee, which will be meeting “within a week or two,” and whatever action needs to be taken against the players will be decided then, depending on the situation.
“The matter will be resolved soon and will be made known to all football fraternities through social and print media,” Lamthiu said.
Sunep Lemtur was the headliner at the opening ceremony, while Lenen Jamir presented a special number. N Akok Longkumer, Co-convenor, MDFA Trophy 2023 gave the welcome address while Ngaku Chllen Chang, pastor, Chang Baptist Church, Mokokchung pronounced a prayer for the tournament.
