The champions Vanguard FC with Lt. Gen. Abhay Krishna and others. (Morung photo)
Our Correspondent Kohima | September 21 Vanguard Football Club, Tseminyu today retained the 4th Capt. N. Kenguruse Memorial Football Tournament (State Level) organized by 9th Assam Rifles under the aegis of IGAR(N) at Kohima Local Ground. In an exciting final match, Vanguard FC defeated Nerhema Village Football Club 2-0. Dominating the game, Yhunshalo Kemp scored the first goal in 34th minute while Sinenlo Kath confirmed the win doubling the score in 78th minute. Winning the title, Vanguard FC received a cash award of Rs 1, 70,000 along with a trophy, medals and citation. Runners-up Nerhema Village FC bagged Rs 80,000 along with a trophy, medals and citation. Two losing semi finalists Green Club, Zunheboto and Naga Terriers, Kohima received Rs. 25,000 each. Altogether, 24 teams from 11 districts joined the tournament. Earlier, gracing the closing function as the chief guest, Lt. Gen. Abhay Krishna, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command said that Capt. N. Kenguruse Memorial Football Tournament has been organized for the youth of Nagaland in honour of Capt. N. Kenguruse, MVC who laid down his life while fighting Pakistani intruders during the Kargil War in 1999. He said the tournament showcases the commitment of Assam Rifles towards developing sports culture among the youths of Nagaland. Recalling the sacrifices made by Late Captain N.Kenguruse, he said the award of Maha Vir Chakra to Captain Kenguruse epitomizes the heroism that this brave son of Nagaland displayed during Operation Vijay in 1999. “This football therefore is held annually to remind the youth of Nagaland of the sacrifice of this martyrs,” Lt. Gen Krishna said adding that the tournament is also aimed at fusing the indomitable Naga spirit with the passion of youth for football so that the sporting talent of the state can get an opportunity to be selected as professional footballers. “This tournament has now attained an identity of its own and I am sanguine that in the years to come, it will be a jewel in the sporting crown of Nagaland,” he said. INDIVIDUAL WINNERSGolden Glove: Medophrezo Kezieo of Nerhema Village FC - Rs. 10,500 Golden Boot: Yhunshalo Kemp of Vanguard FC (10 goals) - Rs. 10,500 Player of the Tournament: Rhitsho Mero of Vanguard FC - Rs. 8,500