For representational purpose only (Photo Courtesy: Pixabay Image)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 14
Amid the ongoing surge of COVID-19 cases in Nagaland, 12 persons taking part in the 21st Dr T Ao Trophy in Kohima reportedly tested positive on Wednesday.
According to official sources, the 12 persons who tested positive are members of the Longleng and Kiphire team.
All participating teams had been informed to undergo mandatory COVID-19 test before their arrival in Kohima.
The Longleng team, however, reportedly arrived without taking the test and informed organizers of their test status after arrival on April 12. Cost factor was reportedly cited as the reason for forgoing the mandatory test.
Following the information, the Longleng team members were asked to isolate and underwent test on April 13 at NHAK, Kohima, the source informed The Morung Express.
The test result arrived on April 14 with 12 members testing positive.
As a result, the Longleng vs Kohima match on Wednesday was called off and Kohima was awarded a walkover win.
The 21st Inter-District Football Championship 2021 (Dr T Ao Trophy) commenced on April 12 at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima. Organized by Nagaland Football Association (NFA) in collaboration with the Department of Youth Resources & Sports (DYRS), Nagaland, it was scheduled to conclude on April 19.
12 teams were part of the tournament with Phek, Peren Tuensang in Group A while Group B consisted of Zunheboto, Noklak and Kiphire. Dimapur, Mon and Wokha were in Group-C while Kohima, Mokokchung and Longleng were in Group-D.
The official source informed that official guidelines will have to be awaited to ascertain whether to cancel or suspend the tournament.
While the NFA and the DYRS are yet to issue an official statement, it has been learnt that the State Football Association officials and Health officials are working on war footing to address and manage the situation.
