Minister Dikho with NSF, ASU and other dignitaries and players of the inaugural match on October 9. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 9
The prestigious 21st NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy 2021 organised by Angami Students’ Union (ASU) kicked start under the theme ‘Goal for Peace’ at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima on October 9.
Gracing the inaugural function, Manipur Minister for PHED, Printing & Stationary, L Dikho appreciated the NSF and ASU for carrying out its commitment to bring peace and better understanding among the Nagas through this sporting event.
‘NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy should be converted into national level sporting event,’ he suggested.
Stating that sports play a very important role and become a huge industry in the modern world, Dikho called upon the Naga youth to give their best and excel in the field of sports. Nagas can do very well in sports, he said and called upon the youth to plan and go ahead. Mentionably, Dikho represented Nagaland team in Subroto Cup in 1989 in which Nagaland lifted the trophy that year.
Earlier, laying of wreaths & hoisting of flag was done at NSF Martyrs’ Park.
The inaugural function was chaired by ASU tribunal general Neizokhotuo Belho. ASU president Bisevi Nakhro delivered welcome address. Organizing committee convener, Dievi Yano in his keynote address said, “As we play to ‘Goal for peace’ let us remain committed to the true spirits of sportsmanship by abiding the bye laws and most importantly glorifying the meaning of the NSF Marty’s Memorial Trophy.” May this tournament be the ambassador to strengthen the brotherhood, he added.
In solidarity message, NSF President Kegwayhun Tep said on this 21st edition of the tournament, we celebrate yet another year of the younger Naga generations’ aspiration for Peace through sports. We celebrate the memories of our two comrades who sacrificed their lives to protect the interest of the Naga younger generations, he said adding we celebrate our goal for Peace through sports. He said that the NSF Martyrs Trophy have come a long way and is here to stay, adding this tournament is one of the most iconic sporting events in the North east India today.
Thejalhoukho Thomas Khawakhrie, Secretary Games & Sports ASU administered oath to the participating teams.
Alongwith the inaugural night match on October 9, the tournament will witness night matches as well from quarter finals matches.
Meanwhile, for the league round matches, the gallery ticket is price at Rs 30 and Rs 50 from quarter finals matches.
The Trophy is organised in honour and in remembrance of the two comrades Lt. Kekuojalie Sachü of Kohima Village and Lt. Vikhozo Yhoshü of Kigwema Village, who were victims to the indiscriminate firings of the Armed Police from Alichen, when the students’ fraternity, on the 20th of March 1986, were on a peaceful duty call to the extension of Disturbed Area Belt from 5 KM along the Indo Myanmar Border and against the induction of Indian Police Service (IPS) cadres into the state of Nagaland.
The champion will walk home with a cash prize of Rs 2,00,000, runners up with Rs 1, 20,000.The semi finalists and quarter finalist will get Rs 30,000 and Rs 15,000 respectively. Individual awards include Player of the tournament, Highest Scorer, Best Custodian, Best defender and Best mid-fielder.
Nagaland Advisor for Technical Education and Election, Medo Yhokha, MLA Khriehu Leizietsu and several other dignitaries were also present at the inaugural function. The inaugural match witnessed between New Market FC and Phesama YO. A total of 52 teams have registered for tournament, which would continue till November 6.
