DIMAPUR, MARCH 20 (MExN): The fourth edition of the Nagaland Futsal Club Championship commenced Thursday at the Futsal Centre, Regional Centre for Sporting Excellence in Sovima, with H. Tovihoto Ayemi, the state’s advisor for tribal affairs and elections, attending as the special guest.
The tournament, organized by the Nagaland Football Association (NFA), features eight teams. Group A includes defending champions Nyenshen FC (Tuensang), Chümoukedima SC (Chümoukedima), Vanguard FC (Tseminyu), and Aphuyemi FC (Zunheboto). Group B consists of Lengreng FC (Peren), Tribals United FC (Dimapur), Proper V FC (Mon), and Zasivi FC (Kohima). The three-day event will conclude with the final match on March 22.
Tournament secretary L. Shahoto Yimchunger chaired the opening program, which included a prayer led by Assistant Pastor Zhamhalie Rupreo and a special performance by Denja Yiukong Phom. Sovima Village Council Chairman Sebastian Zumvü welcomed attendees, expressing hope for more sports and development activities in the village.
In his keynote address, NFA senior vice president and tournament convener Kiyeka S. Sumi acknowledged government support for futsal but emphasized the need for improved infrastructure to help Nagaland teams compete at the national level.
Ayemi praised the rapid growth of futsal in the state and the ongoing Nagaland Super League, calling it “the talk of the state.” He credited Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s leadership in developing sports facilities and encouraged local players and clubs to aspire to national and international competition.
The tournament champion will receive a Rs 1 lakh cash prize and direct entry into the AIFF National Futsal Championship 2025, while the runner-up will be awarded Rs 50,000.
