Morung Express News Dimapur | November 1 The 22nd Late Nyamo Lotha & Daniel Lotha Memorial-cum-Tokhu Emong Trophy kick-started at the State Stadium, Dimapur on November 1. The annual tournament, which will conclude on November 7, has 23 competing teams. MLA & Advisor, Urban Development, SI Jamir declared the tournament open attending the opening ceremony as the chief guest. In his address, Jamir recalled the pioneering personalities – Nyamo Lotha and Daniel Lotha - whose contribution, he added will remain etched for years to come. “Although they are no longer with us today, their contribution and their good work will always be a source of inspiration to all of us,” he said. On sports and Nagas, he said that the flair for sports comes naturally to Nagas. However, he added certain factors, including the Naga political movement, have stood as stumbling blocks over the years. According to him, “Naga boys and girls” were excelling in sports even in the years before the Naga movement took centre stage. He recalled a time when the Jorhat Mission School (now Eastern Theological College), which mostly had Naga students, was regarded as the top sports team in the then undivided province of Assam. This trend was dislocated as the Naga movement gained momentum, he added. “Today, we have ample opportunity and calibre and it should be cultivated.” In this regard, he expressed optimism that the Lotha community would produce sportspersons, who will excel not only in the state and national arena but also internationally. The opening day witnessed three matches with Dimapur Pangti FC taking on Kyong Colony Youth Club (KCYC) at the inaugural game. KCYC won the match 6-3. Chandalashung defeated Oneten 1-0 in the second match, while Nungyin village registered an easy 3-0 win over Rilan village in the third.