KDFA president Mathew Yhome and others with players on June 4.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 4
The inaugural programme of the Pre-Subroto International Tournament (Zone-I), organised by the Department of Youth Resources & Sports (DYRS) in collaboration with Kohima District Football Association (KDFA), took place today at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.
M Mathew Yhome, President, KDFA graced the occasion as the Special Guest.
Addressing the participating players, Yhome reflected on the significance of the tournament, stating that during his time, selection for the Subroto International Tournament was considered one of the highest honours, with players competing intensely for the opportunity.
“Today, you are a privileged generation. You have the opportunity to represent Nagaland through your schools, beginning right from this ground,” he said.
Yhome, who is also president of Kohima Village Youth Organisation, reminded the young athletes that success does not come overnight and encouraged them to view the tournament as a stepping stone rather than a destination.
“This tournament is not the finish line. It is your first step and your first chance to show the world what God has placed inside you,” he said.
Encouraging the participants to discover and develop their individual talents, Yhome urged them to focus on one sporting discipline and pursue it with dedication and professionalism.
Highlighting the progress of sports in the state, he acknowledged the contributions of Kethosituo Sekhose, Director of Youth Resources & Sports, under whose leadership and initiatives sports development in Nagaland has seen significant advancement.
He also pointed to former India footballers Roko Angami and Vizovor Liezietsu as role models for the young players.
“They once stood where you stand today. They are respected because they chose discipline over distraction and sportsmanship over shortcuts,” he remarked.
Urging the youth to stay away from negative influences, Yhome encouraged them to become responsible individuals who would make their parents, schools, and communities proud.
“Play hard. Play fair. Make us proud. As the best two teams from this tournament go on to represent Zone-I at the State Tournament, I wish you all the very best. Make Kohima District proud,” he said.
The programme was chaired by Atoli Yepthomi, District Youth Resources & Sports Officer (DYRSO) while Khriengulie Rio, Senior Vice-President, invoked God’s blessings upon the tournament.
Altogether, seven teams from Kohima, Phek, Tseminyu and Meluri districts are competing for two slots to represent Zone-I at the State-Level Pre-Subroto Tournament.
