K Neibou Sekhose and others with players after opening ceremony on June 30. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 30
A two-day long State-level Pre-Subroto Tournament 2025 (U-15 Boys & U-17 Girls) got underway at Indira Gandhi Stadium Kohima on June 30, under the aegis of the Department of Youth Resources & Sports, Nagaland in collaboration with Nagaland Football Association.
Gracing that opening ceremony, K Neibou Sekhose, President, Nagaland Football Association (NFA) and executive member, All India Football Association thanked the department of youth resources and sports for starting the Tournament from the district level and given opportunity to all the players and given privilege to NFA to be a part of “this grassroot level and meaningful tournament”
Sekhose told the players to “Believe in yourself and your abilities.” Stating that every great player starts somewhere, he said “Keep working hard. Enjoy the game, learn from mistakes.”
He said that their dedication and passion will take them forward. “Don’t be afraid to try new things and take risks,” he said and also told the players to celebrate their successes and learn from setbacks.
Asking them to work together towards victory, he said “Football is a game of skill, strategy and teamwork.” Sekhose also told the players that a good sports person is who accept both defeat and victory with smile and grace and he who can conduct himself with grace and dignity on and off the field.
The opening ceremony was chaired by Megolhu Dolie Additional Director, YRS while Vikhoto Zao, Associate Pastor, Peniel Church Kohima prayed for the programme.
The participating teams include; (Under 15 Boys); Govt High School Bongolon (Peren), Lady Bird School Mokokchung, Christian School Molvon (Chumoukedima) and SFS Higher Secondary School (Chümoukedima). Under 17 Girls- Govt High School Meriema, Christian School Molvon (Chumoukedima) and Govt Middle School L Khel (Kohima)
Meanwhile, Nagaland Youth Resources & Sports Advisor, S Keoshu Yimkhiung will grace the closing ceremony on July 1 at 6:00 PM.
The programme will be chaired by Kethosituo Sekhose, Director, Youth Resources & Sports while welcome address will be delivered by Anthony Ngullie, Commissioner & Secretary for Youth Resources Sports, Nagaland. Vote of thanks will be proposed by Youth Resources Officer Naroenla.
