Kuzholuzo Nienu and Nyusietho Nyuthe and others during the opening ceremony of the 12th edition of the Pochury Black Day Memorial Cup 2026 at Meluri on September 15. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Meluri | September 15
The 12th edition of the Pochury Black Day Memorial Cup 2026 kicked off at Meluri Local Ground on on September 15, with a total of 15 teams registered for the football tournament.
The event was graced by MLA Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, Advisor for Science & Technical, Government of Nagaland, as the special guest.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Azo said games and sports are associated with ideas, tactics and endurance. He called upon the players to take sports seriously to excel at a higher level.
The tournament will continue till September 24.
Pochury Students’ Union (PSU) President Rongley Leyri said that the PSU has been organizing this football tournament in honor of its forefathers who made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of the Naga nation.
“The Pochury Black Day Memorial Cup is not just a sporting event; it stands as a powerful tribute to our history while also serving as a platform to promote unity, sportsmanship, and the uniqueness of our identity as a community,” he said adding that through this event, it seeks to raise awareness about the significance of the past while also emphasizing the importance of both mental and physical well-being.
“Over the years, this tournament has grown immensely, attracting more participants and spectators, and becoming a vital part of our community’s calendar,” he said
Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) Vice President Vimeyiekho Vitso and Sümi Kiphimi Küqhakulu (SKK) President Hipito Achumi also shared solidarity message.
PSU Games & Sports Secretary Khunpeng administered oath to 15 participating teams, which includes; Shilloi FC, Thuda FC, Comets FC, Immortal FC, Crystal FC, Meluri Town Club,Khumiasü FC, Anyuwi FC, Jaya FC, Küzihu FC, Matikhrü FC, Royal FC, Molen United, Reguri Sporting Club and United Brothers Club.
The champion will fetch a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh along with trophy and citation. The runner- up will receive Rs. 70,000 while the losing semi finalists will get Rs. 30,000 each.
There will also be individual prize for the best defender, best goal keeper, most promising player, player of the tournament and highest scorer.
Nagaland NSDMA & Inland Waterways Advisor Z Nyusietho Nyuthe, Meluri Deputy Commissioner Phuleshe K Yepthomi, Meluri SP Limatemsu Longkumer, Meluri ADC Shelly Katiry and several other dignitaries also present at the opening ceremony.
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