Players of Artang Ward (white & black) and Yimyu Ward (blue) with match officials, organisers and guest of honour and Senior SP, Mokokchung Vesupra Kezo before the kick off of the first match of 6th Mokokchung Inter Ward football Tournament at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung on March 25. (Morung Photo)
Artang Ward secure decisive win
Morung Express news
Mokokchung | March 25
Under the theme “Rise As One,” the 6th Mokokchung Inter-Ward Football Tournament, organised by the Marepkong Youth Association (MYA), kicked off on Tuesday at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex.
A total of 13 out of 18 wards under Mokokchung municipality are participating in the tournament this year.
The group stage matches will be played in a 60-minute format, with the quarter-finals lasting 35 minutes per half and the semi-finals onwards extending to 45 minutes per half.
The tournament’s opening match saw last year’s runners-up, Artang Ward, securing a decisive 3-0 victory over Yimyu Ward, with Chuba Imchen scoring the first hat-trick of the tournament, netting goals in the 20th, 38th, and 55th minutes.
Earlier, inaugurating the tournament, the Guest of Honour and Senior Superintendent of Police (SP), Mokokchung, Vesupra Kezo, highlighted football’s global appeal, with over 3.5 billion fans and more than 22 million registered players.
He also noted the sport’s significant market, valued at approximately 3.5 billion dollars. Speaking on local football talent, Kezo asserted that Mokokchung is not lacking in passion or skill and is second to none in the state.
He also expressed delight that around 12 players from the district are currently participating in the Nagaland Super League (NSL).
Citing the example of Dr T. Ao, the first captain of independent India’s football team, the Senior SP encouraged young players to follow in his footsteps with dedication, discipline, and determination.
He also emphasised that football transcends being just a game, serving as a unifying force for the community.
Kezo expressed hope that the tournament would foster cooperation, understanding, and a stronger community spirit in Mokokchung.
Encouraging players to uphold sportsmanship, he conveyed his best wishes to all participants.
MYA Executive Talinungsang Longkumer, in his welcome address, reiterated that the primary objective of the tournament is to promote local football talent.
He acknowledged the role of the tournament in producing players who have gone on to compete in the NSL, expressing optimism that more talents would emerge.
The inaugural programme also featured an exhortation by S. Imtichizung Ozükum, Chairman of Tongdentsuyong Ward, and an invocation by Monglier, Associate Pastor of MTBA.
The ceremonial oath was administered by Takalong Pongen, President of MYA.
A minute of silence was observed in honour of prominent Nagaland football coach and educator William Koso, who passed away on March 25 following a road accident at Chümoukedima.
Meanwhile, the tournament champions will receive a trophy, certificates, and a cash prize of Rs 50,000, while the runners-up will be awarded Rs 30,000 along with certificates.
Four individual awards will also be presented, each carrying a cash prize of Rs 2,000 and certificates. The tournament concludes on April 5.
