Champion team Medziphema United FC with Roko Angami and others at Chümoukedima Football Stadium on August 15.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 16
Medziphema United FC on Saturday lifted the Rokonicha Champions Trophy 2026 after defeating Outlaws FC 3-0 in the final at Chümoukedima Football Stadium.
Organised by the Chümoukedima District Football Association (CDFA), the tournament was held from July 25 to August 15 as part of the 2nd Chümoukedima District Football League 2026.
Viskholie opened the scoring for Medziphema United FC in the 20th minute, while Viselie Vasa struck twice in the 59th and 61st minutes to seal a comfortable victory.
Medziphema United FC received a cash prize of Rs 70,000.
In the league standings, Outlaws FC emerged as league winners, with Medziphema United FC finishing as runners-up.
Mhademo of Outlaws FC won the Golden Glove award, while teammate Thanglenhao bagged the Golden Boot. Viselie Vasa of Medziphema United FC was named Emerging Player of the Tournament, while Kevisevor Zashümo, also of Medziphema United FC, won the Golden Ball award.
Gracing the closing ceremony as guest of honour, Roko Angami, OSD (Sports), Department of Youth Resources & Sports, Nagaland, lauded the CDFA for its efforts in promoting football in the district and beyond.
Thanking the CDFA for dedicating the championship trophy in honour and memory of former minister late Rokonicha, Angami said the event was not only about football, competition and winning a trophy, but also about remembering a life, celebrating a legacy and keeping alive the memories of a person who touched the lives of many.
He expressed hope that the league-cum-championship trophy would continue to grow in stature, discover and nurture talented footballers and inspire generations through the legacy it commemorates.
Angami said every goal, pass and effort on the field could serve as a tribute to the memory of late Rokonicha, adding that the trophy represented unity, friendship, sportsmanship and remembrance.
Stating that football was more than a sport, Angami described it as a universal language that transcends boundaries and brings communities together regardless of wealth, poverty, caste, religion or background. “On the field, everyone is equal,” he said.
He also told players that facilities alone did not create champions, stressing that dedication, perseverance and a willingness to learn determined how far they could go. He encouraged them to play with passion, discipline, respect and a positive spirit.
Recalling his own experience as a former international footballer, Angami said football had been the foundation of his journey, giving him an identity, purpose and an opportunity to reach his present position.
Urging young players to practise consistently, he said there was no substitute for training and that every training session presented an opportunity to improve.
Angami also highlighted various annual programmes undertaken by the Department of Youth Resources & Sports to create opportunities for young athletes, including the Baby League, Grassroots Football Tournament, Zonal School Pre-Subroto Tournaments, Inter-KIC Tournament, Women Futsal League and State-level School Pre-Subroto Tournament.
He said the Nagaland government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, had developed more than 30 futsal grounds and several artificial-turf grounds across the state, while several other football facilities were under construction.
“These investments demonstrate the government’s commitment to developing sports and empowering our youths,” he said.
CDFA president Sedevikho Angami expressed gratitude to all individuals who contributed to the success of the tournament and sought their continued support in the coming days.
