Kohima, May 14 (MExN): Coinciding with Chelsea lifting the English Premier League, the Naga Blues held their 3rd Blue Arena Meet at Jotsoma village ground on May 13. In what was an impressive turnout, Chelsea fans from all over Nagaland attended the meet, hosted by the Kohima Blues, where they interacted with each other through various activities, a press release informed. A total of 8 teams participated in the men’s penalty shootout which also saw the participation of Liverpool and Manchester United fans from Kohima. But it was Dimapur Chelsea Blues (Ayu) who emerged as the eventual champions of the shootout. In the Women’s penalty shootout, Kohima Chelsea Blues were awarded the trophy. In the Champions Trophy match between hosts Kohima Blues and Dimapur Blues, Kohima Blues won 2-0. Captain Shirep and Dikwa scored to enable the hosts to take back the trophy which they had lost to Dimapur Blues in the last edition. William Koso, Technical Director, Nagaland Football Coaches Association was the special guest for the event. In a short speech, he exhorted the Nagas to work towards creating a platform for football talent to be recognized. He also donated a football, the brand that will be used in the Under 17 World Cup. The host for the day was Khriezovonuo Lhoungu with invocation by Keduokhrietuo Sachü. Welcome speech was delivered by Rovikotuo Yhoshü and response from the Dimapur Blues was expressed by Asalie Peseyie. The people gathered were treated to a soulful rendition of the Chelsea anthem “Blue is the Colour” by Heni Katiry, a little girl of Class III. The meet ended with a flurry of activities – an open quiz competition, a raffle draw and feast. The prizes were given away by the special guest William Koso. The Naga Blues have extended gratitude to the Jotsoma Village Council for allowing them to use their ground and to the various sponsors of the meet viz., Havel’s Galaxy Kohima, Northern Sports, Kohima Komets, DK’s entertainment, Zumvu Printex, and all the individuals for the financial and physical help rendered towards the event. The next Blues Meet would be hosted by the Dimapur Blues.
