22nd NSF Martyrs Memorial Trophy: Head Hunters wins first match

Morung Express News 
Kohima | October 7

The 22nd edition of NSF Martyrs Memorial Trophy 2022 under the aegis of Angami Students’ Union (ASU) commenced today at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.

The inaugural match of the Trophy commenced with last year's defending champion Head Hunters winning the first match against Tholevi FC by 3-0. The first half kicked off slow between the two teams when the first goal came in the 40th minute of the match after Headhunters called a free kick in their favour. The team's captain Haotinmang T sporting jersey number 21 ensured the stunner for the team. In the 2nd half, the two goals came in the 58 and 84 minute by Pursunep (15) and Samson (9). Player of the match went to the team captain. Tholevi FC was a new entrant in the trophy.

Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, Leader of NPF Legislature Party & Co-Chairman UDA, Government of Nagaland who was gracing the inaugural function lamented that the even after 58 years of statehood, Nagaland have been also produce only two Olympians namely Dr. T Ao in Football and Chekrovolu in Archery. 

In Nagaland, therefore, football was always associated with Dr T Ao’s name who for us remains the first Olympic Football Team Captain of Independent India.

Calling to make a thorough research as to why we still lack far behind he pondered as to whether it was the lack of support from the Government or is it because of ourselves. 

Azo said we lack committed and dedicated, discipline sportsmanship or maybe are not serious enough with the profession. 

Stating that we have a lot to learn from our Northeastern states and must do to give back to the region, the NPF Leader cited the instance of Manipur who has produced around 5000 registered footballers in the International and National level and recently managed in getting 7 women footballers from Manipur state to take part in the FIFA U-17 women’s World Cup in the 21 member squad later adding Bala Devi, the first Indian Women footballer to play for European Club. 

Azo observed that only taking part in Competition or Tournament was not good enough anymore, but stressed on the need for more dedicated, committed, sincere Men and Women to excel in Games and Sports. 

Organizing committee convenor Zekuseto Natso delivering the keynote address also gave a brief history on the NSF trophy. ASU Tribunal, Vizokho Zashümo chaired the inaugural function and ASU President, Bisevi Nakhro delivered welcome address while ASU Secretary for Games & Sports, Thejalhoukho Thomas Khawakhrie administered oath to the participants.

A total of 35 teams from Nagaland, Manipur and Meghalaya are vying for 22nd edition, which will continue till October 29.

The duration of the matches for the first round till Pre-Quarter final stage shall be 90 minutes only, (45+45) play with 10 minutes lemon break. In case of a tie, the match will be decided through the rule of tie-breaker.
From Saturday, the entry tickets will be 50 rupees per person