Players of the opening match — Revenant FC and United FC — with the guest of honour and officials at the Under-15 Futsal Tournament, which kicked off on July 1 at Mojabi Futsal Turf, Salangtem Ward, Mokokchung. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | July 1
A total of 32 teams from across Nagaland are vying for top honours as the state’s first-ever Under-15 Futsal Tournament kicked off on July 1 at Mojabi Futsal Turf, Salangtem Ward, Mokokchung. The tournament is being organized by the Kichutip Sporting Association (KSA) under the aegis of the Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA).
Gracing the inaugural event as Guest of Honour, Lanuchuba Imchen, President of Longterok Football Club and Councillor (Tolls & Fees), Dimapur Municipal Council, announced the club’s plan to establish a football academy aimed at nurturing young talents in the region. He said the academy would provide structured training and development pathways for aspiring players committed to the sport.
Imchen commended the efforts of KSA and MDFA in promoting grassroots football and stressed the importance of regular competitive tournaments to help players progress to higher levels. Raising concern over the declining representation of Ao players in the state football team, he urged MDFA and community leaders to take action in identifying and supporting deserving talents.
Highlighting Longterok FC’s contribution to the local football ecosystem, he said the club had already proven its mettle against top-tier teams like Barak FC and pledged to continue supporting players through career guidance and nationwide club linkages.
MDFA President N. Akok Longkumer, in his address, lauded KSA for organizing the tournament and encouraged them to institutionalize it as an annual event. “Sports today is like an industry — it changes lives and sustains livelihoods,” he said. Citing the success of the Nagaland Super League, he urged young players to aspire for excellence, noting the Ao community’s legacy in the sport, including Olympic representation.
KSA President Imtichiba Kichu shared that the tournament is part of the association’s Silver Jubilee commemoration. He expressed gratitude to the official sponsors — NI Enterprise and Longterok FC — and acknowledged the contributions of various event partners, committee members, and volunteers.
Short speeches were delivered by Er. Sentiwapang (Kichutip Ward Council) and S. Bendang Longkumer (Salangtem Ward Council). A special number was presented by Mariam, and the invocation was offered by Pastor Bendang Jamir. The event concluded with the oath-taking and introduction of the participating players.
Matches are being hosted at two venues — Mojabi Futsal Turf and Alempang Turf Ground — with games scheduled throughout the day. The tournament features a prize pool of ₹80,000, including team trophies and individual awards.
In the opening match, Revenant FC defeated United FC 8–0. Evergreen Club beat Starters 4–2 in the second match.
