Dignitaries with players on the first day of Grassroot football tourney in Kohima on June 21. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 21
The Grassroot Football Tournament (GFT) for Under-10, Under-13 and Under-15 categories commenced today at Indira Gandhi Stadium Kohima. The tournament is organized by Kohima District Football Association (KDFA) under the aegis of Nagaland Football Association (NFA).
Gracing during the inaugural ceremony as the special guest, Nagaland Youth Resources & Sports, Director Kethosituo Sekhose, lauded the organisers for coming up with the event.
He said it was important to hone the skills of the players when they were young so that they would be able to grow up as better athletes. He opined that KDFA had taken the right step towards building the players from the grassroot level which he added was the only way to truly help improve the players in the state.
Earlier, delivering welcome address, KDFA President, M Matthew Yhome, said AIFF had envisioned such an event targetting the Olympics. He disclosed that NFA was also giving out its full support towards event. Yhome said the event will culminate on June 23 coinciding with the AIFF Grassroots Day.
The inaugural was chaired by KDFA executive member Pudil Tsükrü while CRC Pezielietsie pastor Letuolie Pienyü invoked God’s blessing. A special number was presented by Keneisenuo (Amenda) Sorhie.
Sponsors for the tournament includes, cash prize for U-10 by Kohima Hotel & Restaurant Union, cash prize for U-13 by Gem Paint Station Merhülietsa Kohima, U-15 by Fish Dealers Kohima, tournament trophies by Global Sports Kohima and tournament balls by Sports Paradise Kohima.
A total of 30 teams registered for Grassroot Football Tournament in the three categories. A total of 15 teams for U-15 (7 a-side), 11 teams for U-13 (5 a-side) and four teams for U-10 (5 aside mix-gender).
Khelo India Centre IGS Kohima took the title for U-10 category in the tournament beating their opponent team via tie breaker in the final match.
With four teams vying for U-10 (5 a-side mix gender) title, it was KIC IGS Kohima that stood on their home ground to take the title. They beat Children's Home in the final match via tie breaker after the match ended in 2-2 draw during the stipulated time. While in U-13 category, Sechu Zubza FC beat Ignite FC, Kohima 6-2 in the first semi final match and Khelo India Centre, Greenwood School Dimapur defeated New Market FC 6-0 in the second semifinal match.
In the final match on June 23, Sechu Zubza FC will play against KIC Greenwood School Dimapur to decide the champions of the U-13 category.
The U-15 categories matches will begin on June 22.
