The 12th edition of the Nagaland Inter-District Veteran Football Tournament, hosted by the Peren District Veteran Football Association (PDVFA), kicked off at Mhainamtsi Village Ground in Jalukie under Peren on February 11, 2025.
Speaking at the opening ceremony as the special guest, S Keoshu Yimkhiung, Advisor for Youth Resources & Sports, Nagaland, extended warm appreciation to NVFA & PDVFA for organizing the tournament and inviting him to grace the event. He encouraged the veterans not to aim for the championship title but rather to play to maintain good health. He also appealed to them to never give up playing and continue to inspire youngsters in the field of sports. Furthermore, Keoshu encouraged them to maintain team spirit while playing and advised them to go back and mentor the youngsters, especially the underage players in their respective districts, by providing them with proper training activities.
In his presidential address, K Kire, IPS (Retd.), President of NVFA, stated that the main idea behind organizing the tournament is to keep veteran players fit and to encourage football among younger generations. He also mentioned that only six districts are participating in this year’s edition and expressed hope for more districts to join in the coming years.
Earlier, Arup Zeliang, Convenor of PDVFA, delivered the welcome address, while Gaimunrei Gonmei, Pastor at RBCM, offered the opening prayer. The event also featured a cultural dance performed by women and a theme song presented by singer-songwriter Namkamlak.
In the inaugural match, Mokokchung defeated Mon by two goals to nil. The tournament will conclude on February 14, 2025.