Roko Angami and others during the inaugural programme of 1st Open Late Lhouchalie Viluo Tournament 7 Aside on June 28. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 28
The 1st Open Late Lhouchalie Viluo Tournament 7 Aside got underway today at Lhouchalie Viluo FIFA Pro Turf, Vilietsa, Meriema along National Highway 2.
Organized by L Viluo’s family, the tournament registered 31 teams and it will continue till June 30.
Gracing the inaugural function, former international football players Roko Angami, president Nagaland Football Coaches Association (NFCA) said that Futsal was started in 1930 in Uruguay.
Futsal was first designed for senior and veteran players for physical fitness.
Today, he said, International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has recognized Futsal and All India Football Federation (AIFF) too plan to introduce national Futsal tournament in India.
Roko thanked Late Lhouchalie Viluo’s children and family for construction of top quality Astro Turf within Northern Angami area.
“This is a great achievement and we are all proud of L. Viluo’s family,” said Roko.
He was optimistic that national and international players will be produced from this Astro Turf.
Football gaining momentum in Nagaland
Roko was appreciative that football is gaining momentum in Nagaland and also the positive rise in the level of discipline amongst the footballers in the state.
Stressing on the need to have consistency, he called upon the players to shift their attitude of playing football only during the tournament.
“We are so dependent and we don’t want to sacrifice,” he said and challenged them to be serious and compete with others. Stating many good coaches are now available to groom them, he said “It is never late.”
“Give your best and promote football together,” he said. “Play a good football and win the heart of the people,” Roko insisted. ‘Self control is very important,” he said and asked the footballers to recognize football as a team game and also develop good understanding of the team mate.
Earlier, the inaugural programme was chaired by Thejasetuo Dzüvichü. Zhaviu Pienyü, youth pastor CRMC Kohima invoked God’s blessing while welcome address was delivered by Viluo Angami. Lhouchalie Viluo FIFA Pro Turf lies 2 km from Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.
Over Rs 1 lakh set as prize money
The champion will receive a cash prize of Rs. 70,000 while runner up will get Rs. 30,000; losing semi finalists will be awarded with Rs. 10,000 each; Best goal keeper and highest scorer will get Rs. 5000 each.
The 31 participating teams includes; Red Scars, Footprint SC, Aura 7, Loaner FC Chiedema, Chiiziema, Blazers FC, Local FC, Siedze Krotho, Bandits FC, Bullriders, Fantasy FC, Gioden 300 FC, AG Boys, Spoon Leaf FC, Bull Dog Club, L. Viluo, Vigor FC, Soccer Addix, 9 KTK Meriema, Angami Brothers, Naga Boys, KTA FC, Score Hills, Naga Bazar FC, Khe mu Khe, Mountain Dew, Outkas, Amigos, Pfutsero United FC, Chiedema United and Zasevi FC.
