Champions with the officials. (Photo Courtesy: Khiamniungan Students’ Union)
Morung Express News
Noklak | May 16
The inaugural edition of the Frontier Trophy football tournament came to a close on Wednesday at the Noklak Local Ground, with Minimum Wagers clinching the championship title after an intense final match against Rising Ballers.
Organised by the Khiamniungan Students’ Union (KSU) under the theme “Fight Against Drugs,” the tournament kicked off on March 5 and featured 10 participating teams.
It marked a significant milestone in the district’s sporting history as the first tournament in Nagaland to involve a licensed coach and include five under-20 players per team.
In a fitting finale, Minimum Wagers and Rising Ballers, who had also contested the opening match of the tournament, faced each other again for the trophy. The match was a closely fought battle, drawing loud cheers from spectators throughout the game.
Tangsoi (jersey 21) of Minimum Wagers opened the scoring in the first half, giving his team an early advantage. In the second half, Thangpong (jersey 16) of Rising Ballers equalized with a crucial goal. The tie did not last long, as Tangsoi struck again to reclaim the lead for Minimum Wagers. In the dying minutes of the match, Muthiu (jersey 77) sealed the win with a decisive goal, bringing the final score to 3-1.
Individual excellence was recognised during the award ceremony:
• Golden Glove: Bem (jersey 47), Rising Ballers
• Golden Boot: Lamshong (jersey 7), Haimei Society Tsuwao
• Golden Ball: Methiu (jersey 77), Minimum Wagers
• Most Promising Player: Payio (jersey 17), Nokhu Students’ Union
‘Much-needed platform for aspiring footballers’
In his closing remarks, Noklak MLA Benei M Lamthiu lauded the KSU for initiating the tournament, which he described as a much-needed platform for aspiring footballers. He praised the organizers for aligning the event with the anti-drug message, calling it a cause close to his heart.
Lamthiu highlighted the dangers of drug abuse, warning that it leads to generational harm and societal decline. He encouraged the 22 players of the two finalist teams to serve as ambassadors against drug abuse and to set an example for their peers. Stressing the importance of education and sports, he said both must be tools to combat social issues, beginning from the home and the classroom.
He also emphasised that employment in government services cannot accommodate all youth in the state. Under Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s leadership, he said, the state government has committed to developing sports as a viable career path, which led to the establishment of the Nagaland Super League.
Lamthiu urged the public to support young talents and trust in the state’s efforts to create opportunities through sports. “The world is watching, Nagaland is watching, football is watching,” he said, encouraging sportsmanship and discipline.
He also stressed that all football tournaments must be conducted with the knowledge and support of the District Football Association and the Nagaland Football Association to ensure proper management and recognition.
Okei, president of the Football Association Noklak District, commended the players selected to represent the district at the Dr T. Ao Trophy and acknowledged Lamthiu’s role as General Secretary of the Nagaland Football Association. He noted that players from Noklak had also participated in the recently concluded Nagaland Super League under Lamthiu’s leadership.
