Mizoram lift North East Dr T Ao Trophy
Champions of the 2020 edition of the NE Dr T Ao Trophy Mizoram celebrating after their win against Sikkim in the final on January 28. (Morung Photo)
Nagaland defeat Arunachal to clinch third spot
Our Correspondent
Kohima | January 28
Mizoram today defeated Sikkim by a solitary goal to clinch the title of the 9th North East Dr T Ao Trophy 2020 here at Indira Gandhi Stadium.
The match remained goalless till the end of the first half. Midfielder David Lalrinmuana scored the only goal of the match in the 74th minute to secure the trophy for Mizoram.
Mizoram pocketed a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh while runner up Sikkim received Rs 6 lakh.
Meanwhile, Nagaland defeated Arunachal Pradesh 4-2 to claim the third position of the tournament.
Khwetelhi Thopi and Rhitsho Mero netted two goals each for Nagaland while Tarh Dolu and R. D. Karma scored a goal each for Arunachal Pradesh.
The Nagaland team pocketed cash prize of Rs. 2 lakh while Arunachal Pradesh walked away with Rs. 1 lakh.
Mizoram coach Remtluanga and team manager T. Vanlalhluna received Rs. 15,000 and Rs.10,000 respectively.
Earlier, gracing the closing ceremony, Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio said that Dr. Talimeren Ao was the first ever captain of the Indian football team at the Olympic Games.
In 1948 London Olympic Games, when he led team India into the arena, he etched his name in the annals of Indian sport.
He remains one of the greatest sons of Nagaland and a legendary figure who will inspire every generation, Rio said adding that Dr. T. Ao was a champion, a nation builder and an icon who proved that no dream is impossible if one truly desires.
Rio congratulated all organisations, government departments and individuals who contributed to the success of this year’s tournament. He also extended appreciation to all the participants and to all Chief Ministers of the North Eastern states who sent their teams.
“This championship has once again exemplified the fraternity of the North Eastern states and I hope that we will continue to build our bonds of friendship under a spirit of unity and mutual co-existence so that together we can rise,” Rio said.
The success of this event is because of the positive support of the people of Nagaland, Rio added.
Govt formulating a comprehensive long-term game-plan: Rio
Meanwhile, Rio assured the sports fraternity that the Nagaland government in collaboration with the Nagaland Olympic Association, the Government of India and the Indian Olympic Association is formulating a comprehensive long-term game-plan to develop sports in the state.
“We assure you that in the not very far future we hope to not only produce champions but also host national and international events and championships here in Nagaland,” he said and urged that all sections and stakeholders must work together as a cohesive unit and each citizen is a member of team Nagaland.
The tournament was sponsored by North East Council (NEC) and Department of Youth Resources & Sports and conducted in collaboration with Nagaland Football Association.
