MLA of 48 Mao A/C, L Dikho (standing left to monolith) along with his wife, village elders and others after unveiling the monolith of the Chithuni Silver Cup (football tournament) at Song Song (Chakre Chovow) village, Tuesday. (Morung Photo)
Chithuni Silver Cup football tournament starts
MAO GATE, JANUARY 7 (MExN): The Chithuni Silver Cup football tournament organized by Song Song Youth & Students’ Organization (SSYSO), Chakre Chovow village, kick started at Zhebvii local ground on Tuesday with L Dikho, MLA, 48 Mao A/C as chief guest of the inaugural function.
The tournament also coincides with ‘Chithuni’, the ‘New Year’ festival of the Mao Nagas. Addressing the young players, the chief guest said in the present day world, sports has become one of the most lucrative professions with fame and glory attached to it.
Stating that Manipur has become a “power horse” in sports and games, he reminded the youth of excellent sportspersons from the state, including boxer Mary Kom who has brought laurels to the country and state. The local MLA however said that if one aspires to be a true sportsperson, then one must take sports seriously and not as mere pass time or entertainment only. He said the qualities needed to excel in sports are discipline, determination and perseverance.
Dikho, who is also a former Subroto Cup player said though Nagas have all the attributes to become good sportspersons, yet they fail to hit the mark mainly because of lack of discipline and perseverance. He said the 25th anniversary of Chithuni football tournament should also be a time to retrospect on why Mao youths have failed to make the desired mark in sports. Assuring that he would give his best to promote sports in the area, Dikho encouraged the players to always have the sporting spirit and never to give up.
Earlier, the chief guest also inaugurated the monolith of the Chithuni Silver Cup. Other highlights of the opening ceremony included welcome address by convenor of programme committee, A Besii, short speech by chairman Song Song Village Authority, welcome song by Song Song Women Society and cultural dance by SSYSO. SSYSO games and sports secretary, B Ashikho, officiated the oath taking.
Eighteen football teams from the village are taking part in the tournament.
