Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 28
Tribals United emerged champions in the ‘Open Penalty Shootout’ organized in aid of ‘Mission Possible Children Home’, New Showuba (Loyir village), played here at the village ground on Saturday.
Tribals United defeated United Boys in the final match and walked away with cash prize Rs. 20,000 and certificates while the first runner-up received Rs. 10,000 and citations. Tribals United custodian also bagged the best goalkeeper award. Altogether, 24 teams took part in the penalty shootout tournament.
Earlier, in the opening ceremony, vice president, NSCN (R), Akato Chophy, the guest of honour in his address lauded the organizers of the penalty shoot-out tournament and said their concern and humanitarian service would go a long way in mitigating the plight of the orphans and under privileged children besides giving them a sense of belongingness.
To the minor inmates of Mission Possible Children Home, the NSCN (R) leader said, “You are not orphans since God is always there to look after you. He said only those people who do not know God or wayward and disobedient children can be considered as orphans. Akato said the inmates of Children Home should consider themselves more fortunate than other kids as they have many fathers and mothers in the form of proprietors of the Home and other well wishers and sympathetic parents.
To the participating teams and players, Akato said games and sports is not only about winning medals or trophies but what matters in the long run is to play fair and in true sportsman spirit. Besides other virtues and qualities of sports, he said games and sports help build a spirit of camaraderie and bondship and that this “getting to know each other is more important than winning.”
He said if a budding player really aspires to rise to the top in games and sports then he or she should not only be sincere, dedicated and hardworking but should shed all form of “ego” and arrogance.
Akato cited the example of the Croatian striker Nikola Kalinic who was sent home from the World Cup (Russia) in disgrace after refusing to come on as a substitute in a game due to his reported ego problem.
He said no matter what the criticisms, if a player remains steadfast and committed, then he or should would surely achieve success on day or the other.
On the occasion, the inmates of Children Home presented a touching song dwelling on the vast possibilities of a better life and world despite their present reality.
