State football league tentatively set to begin by Jan 2012

DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 14 (MExN): Conceptualised by a sports management firm known as 442 Management, the anxiously anticipated Nagaland Premier League (NPL) now has its own logo. Designed in the shape of a shield, the logo features a football and the feather of a hornbill in blue and red background. It was unveiled on Thursday, October 14. According to 442 Management, the logo in general symbolizes land (as in Nagaland); and the spirit of youth and sports.
NPL logo unveiled
he unveiling ceremony also coincided with the opening of 442 Management’s administrative center in Dimapur, located at Mall 1922, Khermahal. Rev. Bryan John of Teens Up Faith Ministry dedicated the inaugural.
The firm had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the state’s governing football body – Nagaland Football Association - back in July. And subsequently, the firm had invited parties or individuals, with an interest to own or manage a football club under the league, as founding members. Tentatively scheduled to begin by January of 2012, the NPL will feature 10 teams or clubs from across the state and stretch for a period of 5-6 months. The idea, if it successfully takes off and sustains, is to enable clubs from Nagaland to have a shot at the AIFF’s (All India Football Federation) I-League 2nd Division. It will run under the rules and regulations as set down by the AIFF and follow its league format.
The details of the teams or other technicalities involving team selection were not disclosed. Auctioning of the teams to fill the 10 slots will begin tentatively by the beginning of November, disclosed Yudang Ao, director of operations, NPL. A team, which features in the league, will be allowed a maximum of three players from outside the state, he added. In future, if the league is successful, it will attempt to allow district-wise representation, where clubs at the district level will compete for a place at the state league, he further said.  The venues selected, as of now are Dimapur, Kohima and Mokokchung.



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