Our Correspondent Kohima | September 19 Defending champion Naga FC today retained the coveted champion trophy of 2nd Captain Kenguruse All Nagaland Memorial Football tournament 2016 here at the Kohima Local Ground. Inspector General Assam Rifles (North) and Headquarters 3 Corps initiated this tournament to remember and honour the brave soldier Captain (Late) N. Kengruruse. Naga FC defeated Liangmai FC 5-1 to settle the coveted champion trophy and pocketed a cash prize of Rs. 1.50 lakh. Chaba contributed hattrick for Naga FC in 59th, 65th and 69th minutes while other two goal for Naga FC came through Rhitsho and Kethozhapu in the 74th minute and stoppage time respectively. A lone goal for Liangmai FC came through Paudikhobou in 67th minute. Runners-up Liangmai FC pocketed a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh along with citation. Semi finalist Aboi FC also awarded with a cash prize of Rs. 50,000. Chaba of Naga FC, S. Narzary of HQ IGAR (N) and Velukho of Naga FC were decorated with the title of Golden Boot, Best Custodian and Most Valuable Player respectively and pocketed Rs. 10,000 each along trophy and citation. Lhousavoto was also conferred with best official title of the tournament. Altogether, 24 teams joined the tournament. The prizes were jointly distributed by Inspector General of Assam Rifles (North) Maj. Gen. M.S. Jaswal, SM, Kohima deputy commissioner Rovilato Mor and Neiselie Kenguruse, father of Captain (late) Neikezhakuo Kenguruse, MVC. Earlier, gracing the closing function as the chief guest, parliamentary secretary for youth resources & sports, music task force and state lotteries Khriehu Liezietsu thanked the Assam Rifles for organizing this football tournament to salute the hero Captain (Late) N.Kenguruse MVC and also to celebrate and encourage football talent in the state. He hoped that with the continuous support and efforts put in by Inspector General Assam Rifles (North), Nagaland will be able to stride forward in the days to come. He said Captain Kenguruse Nagaland Football League, since its inception in 2015 has been quite popular with the players as well as the local football fans. “I feel it is a very good platform for players especially the youngsters as they get to play against the best from around the state,” Liezietsu said. He also complimented the Nagaland Football Association (NFA) for partnering with the Assam Rifles in organizing this tournament, which is of very high quality and also for making it a yearly event. “This tournament is a tribute to the gallant son of Nagaland- Captain Kenguruse, who hails from Nerhema village of Kohima district. Captain late Kenguruse who has displayed extraordinary courage, conspicuous gallantry and determination beyond the call of duty and made the supreme sacrifices for the country,” he said. Also stating that Kenguruse is the recipient of one of the nation’s highest gallantry award i.e, the Mahavir Chakra posthumously, he said “Today as we play this football tournament in his memory and honour I hope his brave acts and the footprints left behind will be emulated and followed by the younger generation of today and in the years to come.” Also thanking Assam Rifles on behalf of the department of youth resources and sports and the football lovers of the state for their initiative, Liezietsu said “Your consistence support and focus for the youths and youth empowerment is commendable.” “This football tournament is just one of the examples of your many efforts to empower and promote the talented youth of the state. Through your strong commitment and dedication you have done a significant job for the youth of Nagaland. I am sure through this venture sports especially football will receive a boost and remarkably thrive in our state,” the parliamentary secretary said. *Champion: Naga FC *Runners-up: Liangmai FC *Golden Boot: Chaba (Naga FC) *Best Custodian: S. Narzary (HQ IGAR (N) *Most Valuable Player: Velukho (Naga FC)
