Player being introduced with guest of honour before the match. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kiphire | August 27
The 1st edition of the Kiphire District Football Championship which began on August 20 concluded today at the Public Ground in Kiphire, with New Agers Football Club emerging as the champions.
The final match saw a tense finish as New Agers FC secured victory with a sudden-death penalty kick after a 1-1 draw during regular time and an additional 14 minutes of play.
Abide Football Club finished as the first runners-up in the six-day tournament. The champions were awarded a cash prize of Rs 50,000 along with a trophy, while the runners-up received Rs 30,000. Additionally, individual prizes were given to outstanding participants.
S Likhumla Sangtam, Vice President of the Eastern Nagaland Women Organization (ENWO), graced the grand finale as the guest of honour.
In her address, she emphasized the role of sports in overcoming setbacks and the importance of including sports in educational development. She highlighted the tournament’s significance in providing a positive outlet for youth, diverting them from drugs and alcohol, and other anti-social activities in the district.
Sangtam also stressed that education is key to combating societal challenges and urged for collective efforts to overcome the difficulties faced in the district.
Colonel Vikee Lamoria, Commandant of the 41 Assam Rifles in Kiphire, also spoke at the event, congratulating the Kiphire District Football Association (KDFA) for organizing the tournament.
The program included a welcome address by KDFA Executive Chairman, with General Secretary Lumpiba M. also speaking. The closing ceremony was chaired by Tsathingla Sangtam.
It is noteworthy that the championship was exclusively contested by teams from Kiphire district. Selected players from this tournament will represent the district in the upcoming Dr T Ao tournament. A total of 10 clubs participated in this inaugural championship.
