K Kire, Neibou Sekhose, KDFA officials with champion team.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 1
The Kohima District Football Association (KDFA) today organised a felicitation programme for Nagaland Football Team (40+) champions of 6th National Masters Games 2024 held at Goa.
The event was held with K Kire, IPS, Retd DGP Nagaland and president, Nagaland Veteran Football Association as the special guest.
In his remark, Kire heartily congratulated the team for bringing laurels to the state through their win.
He said Nagaland Veteran Football Association was formed 13 years ago and it has been organising it’s tournament every year except during the Covid-19 pandemic when it couldn’t organise it.
He said the association wanted to provide a platform for the senior players.
He observed that many veteran players were so committed in the game even today they pay for their expenses from their own pockets to attend tournamens organised for veterans.
He said some families could be facing financial issues because of such additional expenses, however, their commitment for the event always remains remarkable.
Kire said for Nagas football was the most important and loved game and people, irrespective of age continue to enjoy the game.
He lauded the Nagaland team for making numerous sacrifices on top of bringing laurel to the state.
He observed that the players had paid for their own expenses apart from spending money during their training and other unseen expenses.
He said, since they played for Nagaland, government should also cover some of the expenses.
“I really wish the sports department have some funds reserved for not only the Olympic disciplines but even other competitions like this masters games. Players from the state has been participating in the event since 2019 but at their own expenses,” he said.
Whether an event is recognised by the Olympic or not since the players had brought laurels to the state such players should be helped out by the government departments, he said.
He hoped that apart from football players even in other disciplines would also be able to take part in such events in the future.
Earlier, sharing the greetings, president, Nagaland Football Association and executive member, All India Football Association, K Neibou Sekhose, congratulated the players for bringing laurels to the state.
He expressed his appreciation at the sacrifices and work hard the players put in to go and compete and win the trophy.
He also thanked those working behind the scene and also organising the felicitation programme in their honour.
The programme was chaired by KDFA women coordinator Dziesevinuo Yhoshü Lam.
Invocation was pronounced by deacon, Nagabazar Baptist Church, Thepfuzakie Suohu.
Welcome address was delivered by KDFA finance secretary Metekhrielie Mejura.
A special number was presented by Neilaü Thaprü while vote of thanks was proposed by KDFA press secretary, Medolenuo Ambrocia Loucü.
Short speeches about the team’s journey was delivered by Roko Angami, president, Nagaland Football Coaches Association and vice president, Nagaland Masters Games and KDFA president Mhasimhalie Mathew Yhome.
