Nagaland’s Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton and others at the opening ceremony of 24th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy 2024 in Kohima on September 14. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | September 14
The prestigious 24th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy 2024 under the aegis of Angami Students’ Union (ASU) kicked started today at Indira Gandhi Stadium Kohima under the theme “Goal for Peace.”
Gracing the opening ceremony, Nagaland’s Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton maintained that NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy has become one of the biggest soccer events in the state.
He complimented ASU for their tireless efforts in organizing the tournament.
He said that the theme “Goal for Peace” resonates deeply “with our collective aspirations and the vision we hold for our future.”
“In every goal scored, we see the potential for achieving our shared objectives. In every save made, we witness the protection of our common interests. In every pass completed, we observe the cooperation that is essential for our progress. These actions on the football field mirror the teamwork, strategy, and mutual support that we need in our society to build lasting peace,” he said.
Patton said that the young athletes are the leaders of tomorrow and are the ambassadors of peace, torchbearers of unity, and champions of a better future.
“The friendships you forge during this tournament, the respect you show to your opponents and the sportsmanship you display will have ripple effects far beyond this stadium,” he said adding that the footballers have the power to inspire, to change perceptions and to build bridges that can last a lifetime.
Calling upon the people to remember and honour the sacrifices of the martyrs and all those who have given their lives for people, he said, “Their memory serves as a constant reminder of the immeasurable value of peace.”
‘Government fully committed to nurturing athletic talent’
Patton said that the state government is fully committed to nurturing athletic talent and creating a robust sports infrastructure that will pave the way for our youth to excel on national and international stages.
He made a special mention to the recent extraordinary achievement of Hokato Hotozhe Sema who won the bronze medal in shot-put F-57 category at the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris, becoming the first from Nagaland to accomplish such an incredible achievement.
“We are very proud of him and I believe we all can learn much from his success,” Patton said and urged upon all participants to compete with passion, skill, and determination but also with fairness and a spirit of brotherhood.
Solidarity message from NSF
In solidarity message, Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) president Medovi Rhi offered deepest respect and honour in remembrance of two precious souls whose lives were laid down at the altar of Democracy 38 years ago.
“On the 20” of March 1986, when thousands of students came forward to extend their solidarity to the NSF to protest against the extension of the Disturbed Areas Act (DAA) from the 5 -20 km belt along the Indo-Burma border and the introduction of the Indian Police Service cadre in Nagaland (which focused on inducting non-Nagas), Lt. Kekuojalie Sachü of Kohima Village and Lt. Vikhozo Yhoshü of Kigwema village succumbed to the indiscriminate firing upon the peaceful agitating students by the armed police forces from Alichen,” he said.
“Yet through the martyrdom of two noble souls, our aspirations and our hopes were renewed once again with a renewed sense of direction and purpose, our desire and the ultimate “goal for peace” which is the prayer and the aspiration of the Naga people, thus, came into being.”
Earlier, ASU president Khriesamhalie David Mere welcomed all to the tournament, and said “We will all emerge victorious in pursuit of peace and harmony.”
Earlier, laying of wreaths and hoisting of flag took take place at NSF Martyrs’ Park Kohima.
The curtain raiser witnessed scintillating performances from Vetho, Moko Koza, Mengu, Guru Gee, Tutu, Vidi & Vivo and 15th NAP (IR) Mahila Band.
The inaugural ceremony was chaired by organizing committee convenor, Vizokho Zashiimo while Metebo-o Sote, ASU secretary for games & sports administered oath to the participating teams.
Altogether, 43 teams from Nagaland (34) and Manipur (9) have registered for the tournament, which will continue till October 5. At the inaugural match, defending champion Red Scars FC defeated Mez & Co with 1-0. The winning goal for Red Scars FC came through Asito Kruse.
September 16 matches
Ist Match (9:30 AM): Nagaland University vs Seithekema FCC
2nd Match (11:30 AM): Re-United FC vs Kohima Bible College
3rd Match (1:30 PM): F4C Academy vs SNGC Football School
