Players of MongsenAit Club (blue jersey) head the ball against Khanimu Citizen Club (black) during the day one of the MongsenAit Marok, in Longjang, Mokokchung on Monday.
MOKOKCHUNG, DECEMBER 18 (MExN): The Mongsen Ait Marok Football Trophy kicked off its 50th year of hosting football matches, here today, at Longjang, Mokokchung. The event is organized by the MongsenAit Club (MAC). The Golden Jubilee celebration was graced by Longden Longkumer, LL Group Managing Director, Nagaland as the chief guest.
Longkumer in his speech congratulated one of the oldest Club – in Nagaland –for hosting and molding young player for decades and providing a platform for the youngsters, and also giving them a hope for the future.
He also encouraged the players to abstain from intoxicating substances, as it not only weakens their health but also hinders their skills. He added that the star players of today, were once street players, but their discipline and dedication had set them apart.
Reminiscing the past, the Director hoped that this event would bring not only the players but also the people together and achieve the glory of the yester years.
T N Mannen, Law and Justice, Land Revenue in his message paid his tribute to the Club for being a pioneer in cultivating young talents in the field of sports.
S. JongpongImsong, while orating the history of the Club, stated that the club held its first matches in the year 1961 under the banner of Lt. Tekatemba Trophy but was later registered and rebranded in 1963 as the present-day event – MongsenAit Trophy; and has produced salient players over the years.
The President of the Club Yapangaier in his welcome address, thanked the members, of the present and past, for achieving this golden milestone.
Match Report:
Kicking off a lustrous first match, the host team MongsenAit Club dominated the 60 minutesmatch against Khanimu Citizens Club;with Tarep (of MAC) scoring the first goal of the tournament at the early minutes of the game; followed by same at the second half and Lanutemsu at 53 minutes, sealing their first match victory.
The second match witness a goal galore with Longkoi of Salaksalaker destroyed its rival team, Lametong Youth Association with 5 goals in the first half and another 4 goals followed by Moarenba and Sangle each, in the second half, winning the match by 12-1.
In the third match Omega defeated Aningchen by 3 goals to 2. Followed by the fourth match between Yimsen Youth Club (A) and Yimsen Youth Club (B), with the score line being 3-0.
The final match of day one witness a tough competition between Rebels and MongsenAit Club, with the former winning the match by 2 goals to 1.
Day 2 of the 3 day sporting event will witness matches from Charger FC and Lomuden; with team Gilgal fresh off of Marsosang looking for another title in its name.
The Marok team are fighting for the coveted cup and a cash prize of 1 lakh rupees; with over Rs. 60K worth of team and individual prizes to play for.
