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Nagaland’s Chief Secretary, Temjen Toy; Maj Gen PC Nair, YSM, IGAR (N); and other dignitaries with champions Tehok FC.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 8
Tehok FC Mon today emerged as the champions of the 5th Capt N Kenguruse Memorial Football Tournament here at Indira Gandhi Stadium under the aegis of Assam Rifles, IGAR (North).
Tehok FC downed Head Hunters 164 INF TA (Naga) 2-1 to lift the title and won a cash prize of Rs. 1.80 lakh.
Shamba Samson Konyak and Wapang netted a goal each for Tehok FC in the 47th minute and 77th minute. A lone goal for Head Hunters came through Mezizoto in the 38th minute.
Head Hunters were awarded with a cash prize of Rs 80,000.
Naga FC Kohima and Upper Khomi, Phek stood 3rd and 4th positions and received Rs 30,000 and 20,000 respectively.
Earlier, gracing the valedictory function, Nagaland’s chief secretary Temjen Toy said that this year's tournament is the fifth edition and it has not only grown in popularity but has also helped honouring the brave martyr Capt Neikezhakhuo Kenguruse.
“This tournament has been envisaged with the vision of reaching out to the entire state in identifying potential budding young football players of the state,” he said, adding that the main objective of the tournament is to imbibe more passion and create more platforms for young football enthusiasts of Nagaland.
“Such kind of tournament builds up and fosters friendship; it provides opportunity to mingle with one another, which can lead to long lasting friendship, which also is the main objective of the armed forces,” Toy said.
The Chief Secretary said that football requires well-coordinated efforts and understanding within the team members, adding “it fosters team spirit also. It also teaches us to be disciplined, part of a team, passionate and hardworking. These are also the essentials for victory, be it football or life.”
He further reminded the imprint Nagas have made in Indian football history, taking the example of Dr T Ao who led the national team as its first captain in the 1948 Summer Olympics.
The Chief Secretary said that the Capt Kenguruse Football Tournament is aimed at fusing the indomitable Naga spirit and the passion of Naga youth for football, so that the young sporting talent of the state can get an avenue to rise and shine as professional footballers.
Complimenting the Assam Rifles for its contribution to the state of Nagaland, he said “Assam Rifles has been doing an outstanding job in the state of Nagaland. It has been contributing in every field, be it maintaining peace in the state, conduct of Military Civic Activities, infrastructure development, assistance to the people in case of any kind of emergency, pre- recruitment training or conduct of sporting activities.”
Further, he commended Maj Gen P C Nair, YSM, IGAR (N) for conducting the tournament in a professional manner and also thanked the Nagaland Football Association and Nagaland Referee Board for their support for fair and transparent conduct of the tournament.
Individual awards
*Highest goal scorer: Avilhou Yhome of Naga FC (8 goals)
*Most valuable player: Kudahu Dzudo of Upper Khomi FC Phek
*Best custodian: P Angki Konyak of Tehok FC Mon
*Best manager: Kikrukhrielie Rutsa of Naga FC.
