Players of the opening match, Tongpangsanger Club and Vision Sporting Club, pose with officials and dignitaries during the inaugural ceremony of the 14th Marsosang Football Trophy at Langpangkong Tsükong GHS Chuchuyimlang Playground on December 8
Morung Express News
Chuchuyimlang | December 8
The 14th edition of the Marsosang Football Trophy (MFT) commenced on Monday at the Langpangkong Tsükong GHS Chuchuyimlang Playground, with Imsongmeren, NCS, Director of Nagaland State Lotteries, gracing the opening ceremony as the special guest.
Delivering the welcome address, T Temsu of the MFT Organizing Committee reflected on the origins of the tournament, first launched in 1994 by the family of late ex-MLA Tsukjemwati in honour of their parents, Marsosang. He said the trophy continues to be managed by the Rocky Club and remains dedicated to encouraging youth through football.
Temsu expressed gratitude to the family for supporting the tournament since its inception and reminded participants that “not all will emerge winners, but the spirit in which one participates is most important.” He lauded the Rocky Club for working tirelessly across all 14 editions with the hope that the tournament will uplift young players, urging teams to compete with discipline and sportsmanship.
According to compere Temsusenla Jamir, the tournament stands as a tribute to Marsosang’s lasting contributions to community development and welfare. Organized biennially by the Rocky Club, the Marsosang Trophy has grown into one of Mokokchung district’s major sporting events, now considered the second-largest football tournament after the MDFA Trophy. It has become a platform that unites teams across the district, producing memorable performances over the decades—from Riongsanger Sporting Cup, the first champions in 1994, to N Obang Memorial Football Team, the 2023 title holders.
Now in its 14th edition, the tournament features 11 teams: Tongpangsanger Club, Vision Sporting Club, Rocky Club, Aroju Club, Team Saturday, Morung Boys United FC, Marsosang Sporting Club, Young Vision, Merasen, United Brothers, and N Obang Memorial FT. The six-day tournament will culminate on December 13.
This year’s prize money includes ₹1.5 lakh for the champions, ₹1 lakh for the runners-up, and ₹10,000 for the losing semi-finalists, along with four individual awards and a prize for the best-disciplined team.
The opening match saw Vision Sporting Club defeat Tongpangsanger Club 5–2.
In his address as the special guest, Imsongmeren described the Marsosang Football Trophy as an event “nothing short of any other tournament in the state,” acknowledging the challenges of organising such a longstanding fixture. He lauded the Rocky Club for sustaining the event for 31 years across 14 editions and encouraged them to aim for even greater heights, noting that the tournament provides a valuable platform for youth not only in football but also in contributing to wider community development.
Underscoring the importance of discipline both on and off the field, he expressed hope that players emerging from the tournament would go on to represent the district in competitions such as the Dr T Ao Trophy and beyond.
