Y Patton and others during the opening ceremony of 10th Capt N Kenguruse MVC Memorial Football Tournament in Kohima on November 2.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 2
The 10th edition of the Captain N. Kenguruse, Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) Memorial Football Tournament 2026 commenced at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima on November 2.
The tournament, which will continue till November 9, is organised by Spear Corps and Assam Rifles in collaboration with Nagaland Football Association (NFA) under Operation Sadbhavana.
At the opening ceremony, Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, at the opening ceremony, said the event celebrates football and honours Late Captain N Kenguruse, who died in the Kargil War. He said the tournament gives young footballers opportunities to compete, develop skills, and build friendships, and thanked the Spear Corps, Assam Rifles, and NFA for organising it.
He noted football’s special place in Naga culture, citing Dr Talimeren Ao, who captained India at the 1948 London Olympics. He said the Nagaland Super League offers a more organised, competitive platform for clubs and players, creating new possibilities for young footballers to pursue the game professionally.
Patton welcomed Nagaland United Sports Club’s historic Indian Football League debut, a 3-1 win over Real Kashmir FC in Srinagar on October 30, calling it a new chapter that gives hope to aspiring national-level players.
Citing Cape Verde’s first World Cup qualification, he said: “What matters is not the size of a nation or community, but the dreams of its people. We have immensely talented sportsmen and women in Nagaland, and we must continue to encourage our young people to pursue their ambitions.”
NFA President K Neibou Sekhsoe said the tournament was conceived ten years ago to honour “a son of our soil - a true Naga hero,” Capt Neikezhakuo Kenguruse, Maha Vir Chakra, whose bravery and supreme sacrifice during the Kargil War remain “an eternal testament to the Naga spirit.”
He said the Armed Forces–NFA partnership has grown stronger over the decade, transforming “a memorial tournament into Nagaland’s most prestigious sporting event.” Sekhose said, “This tournament not only promotes football in the state but also honours the bravery and sacrifice of Capt Neikezhakuo Kenguruse.”
Metsubo Jamir, Minister for Rural Development & SIRD, Temjen Imna Along, Minister for Tourism & Higher Education and Major Gen HS Mavi, Inspector General Assam Rifles (North) also spoke at the opening ceremony.
A special address was delivered by Neiselie Kenguruse, father of the late Captain N. Kenguruse. Roko Angami, Treasurer NFA administered oath to the team captains.
The champions will receive a cash prize of Rs 4 lakh, while the runners-up will be awarded Rs 2 lakh. The third and fourth-placed teams will get Rs 1 lakh and Rs 75,000, respectively.
In individual awards, the Golden Boot winner will receive Rs 20,000, while the Player of the Tournament will be awarded Rs 15,000. The Best Goalkeeper and Best Midfielder will each receive Rs 10,000.
Additionally, the manager, coach, and physiotherapist of the winning team will receive Rs 8,000 each, while their counterparts from the runner-up team will be awarded Rs 5,000 each.
Satakha wins inaugural match
The tournament got off to an exciting start as Satakha FC registered a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Mokokchung FC in the opening match of the competition.
Satakha FC made their intentions clear early in the game, with Hikupu finding the back of the net in the 13th minute to give his side the opening advantage.
Maintaining their attacking momentum, Satakha FC doubled their lead through Hangkholen in the 41st minute, taking a comfortable 2–0 advantage into the break.
Mokokchung FC, however, refused to give up and continued their efforts in the second half. Their persistence paid off in the 67th minute when Lanutemsu scored to reduce the deficit to 2–1, bringing renewed excitement to the contest.
Despite Mokokchung FC’s efforts to find an equalizer, Satakha FC held firm to secure a 2–1 victory and begin their tournament campaign on a winning note.
In Match No. 2, Phek FC secured their place in the next round through a bye, advancing automatically to the subsequent stage of the tournament
November 3 matches
• Kohima X1 vs Lushe FC (9:00 AM)
• Headhunters FC vs Zhadima FC (1:00 PM)
• Nova FC vs G Sport FC (5:00 PM)
