Chuchuyimlang, 12 December (MTNews): The 13th edition of one of Mokokchung’s major football tournaments, the Marsosang Football Trophy, commenced today at the Langpangkong Tsükong GHS Chuchuyimlang Playground, with Dr Sentitula, IFS Divisional Forest Officer, Mokokchung, gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest. The tournament is organized by Rocky Club, Chuchuyimlang.
A total of twelve teams are participating in the tournament, including Arju Club, Wingers Club, Youngsters Fc, Visions, Telongjem FC, Rocky Club, United Boys, Endzone Elite, N Obang Memorial Football Team (MFT), Team Gilgal, Ungerlong FC, and Marsosang SC. The N Obang MFT are the defending champions.
The first match of the day was played between Arju Club and Wingers Club in Ground-1, with Arju Club emerging victorious with a score of 2-1. Meanwhile, in Ground-2, Rocky Club registered a thumping win over Youngsters FC with a score of 14-2. The tournament is set to conclude on 16 December.
The tournament is organized in honor of Marsosang, born 1901, who was one of Nagaland’s wealthiest individuals and a class-1 contractor, businessman, and a founder of Mokokchung Town. His contributions include the development of Langpangkong Range road, formerly known as “Tsükong Lenmang” and now as Amguri Road (NH2). According to sources, he had a humble beginning working as a ‘mohori’ in a tea garden in Assam under British rule.
Earlier, the Chief Guest Dr Sentitula in her address described Marsosang as a man with a smart personality, a distinguished businessman and entrepreneur. Emphasizing the importance of hard work, a nature demonstrated by Marsosang, she challenged the attendees to embody Marsosang’s work ethic and adopt a “SMART” approach – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound – in their endeavors.
She encouraged the players to reflect on possessing this “Smart” personality in any aspect of their lives, utilizing their God-given talents while playing with discipline and maximizing their potential. The Chief Guest also urged the participants to strive for excellence.
L Yanger, Executive Member, Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA), expressed optimism about the tournament, commending the organizing committee and villagers for their efforts. He highlighted the significance of the Marsosang Football Trophy, a biennial event contributing to MDFA’s commitment to nurturing football talent in Mokokchung district.
Talitemsu, Convenor of the MFT Organizing Committee, extended gratitude to the sponsor-family and shared insights into the history of Marsosang Football Trophy, established in 1994. The tournament promises a grand prize of Rs 150000 for the winner, along with a trophy and certificates, while the runners-up will receive Rs 80000 with trophy and certificates.
Individual prizes include Best Defender, Best Goalkeeper, Player of the Tournament, Highest Goal Scorer, and Best Team, and recognition of the two losing Semi-finalists.