Action from the first match between DDVFA (Yellow jersey) and the NP Veterans XI at the NAPTC Stadium, Chumukedima on Tuesday, February 8.
DIMAPUR, FERUARY 8 (MExN): The 3rd Inter-district Veterans’ Football Tournament kicked off at the NAPTC Stadium, Chumukedima on Tuesday, February 8. Ten veterans teams from Kohima, Dimapur, Mokokchung, Wokha, Zunheboto, Mon, Phek, Longleng, Tuensang, Peren alongwith the Nagaland Police Veterans’ XI are taking part in the four-day event.
Director General of Police, Nagaland K. Kire, IPS, graced the inaugural as the chief guest. The DGP is also captaining the NP Veterans XI.
The opening match had the previous edition’s champions – the NP Veterans XI taking on Dimapur District Veterans Football Association (DDVFA). The match went in favour of the DDVFA veterans 3-1. Lima (No. 10) and Ebol (No. 2) were the scorers for the winning side, with the former finding the back of the net on two occasions. Mid-fielder Senti was the lone scorer for the NP veterans.
The second match between the veterans from Zunheboto and Kohima ended in a 1-1 draw.
“We as veterans have a lot of obligations, youngsters and children look upto us… Therefore, we must show a good example”, said the DGP in his inaugural address. The tournament was organised with the intention of encouraging the younger players, the DGP said while averring that exhibition of skills and camaraderie by the older players would hopefully act as an encouragement for the younger players. Besides, it is aimed as an encouragement for the veterans to keep themselves fit, while enabling them to meet and mingle with their peers in their older years. He hoped that the organizers of the tournament have been able to achieve the aims.
He further expressed optimism that the tournament will grow bigger in the years to come, even becoming an NE level event. “Exhibit your skills and the sportsman spirit”, he called while bidding good luck to all the participating teams.
Wednesday’s matches:
8:00 am - Zunheboto Vs. Tuensang (NAPTC Stadium), Dimapur Vs. Mokokchung (1st NAP ground)
1:00 pm – Peren Vs. Phek (NAPTC Stadium), NP Veterans XI Vs. Mokokchung (1st NAP ground)
2:30 pm –
Tuensang Vs. Kohima
(NAPTC Stadium)
