The 24th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy organized by Angami Students’ Union (ASU) on the theme “Goal for Peace” commenced today at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.
Organized annually in honor of student martyrs Lt. Kekuojalie Sachû and Lt. Vikhozo Yhoshü, the tournament will continue till October 5.
Addressing the inaugural function, Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton expressed gratitude to the Angami Students’ Union for their tireless efforts in organizing the prestigious tournament. “Your dedication to foster unity through sports is truly commendable. Your efforts remind us that the youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the change-makers of today,” he said.
Patton said the theme “Goal for Peace” resonates deeply with “our collective aspirations and the vision we hold for our future.”
“As we kick off this tournament, let us take a moment to remember and honor the sacrifices of the Martyrs and all those who have given their lives for our people,” adding that their memory serves as a constant reminder of the immeasurable value of peace.
“I also want to take a moment to address the larger context of this tournament. We gather here at a time when our region, like many parts of the world faces challenges. We have our share of disagreements, historical grievances, and obstacles to overcome. But events like this remind us of what we can achieve when we come together. They show us that our shared hopes for peace, progress, and prosperity are far stronger than the forces that seek to divide us,” Patton said.
Patton also said that the state government remains committed to support initiatives that promote peace, unity, and development. He said that the state government recognizes the power of sports and culture and will continue to invest in those areas events that bring the Naga community together.
“Our government is fully committed to nurturing athletic talent and creating a robust sports infrastructure that will pave the way for our youth to excel on national and international stages,” he said.
Patton also commended the recent “extraordinary achievement of one of our own Hokato Hotozhe Sema who won the bronze medal in shot-put F-57 category at the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris, becoming the first from Nagaland to accomplish such an incredible achievement.”
“We are very proud of him and I believe we all can learn much from his success,” Patton said and urged upon all participants to compete with passion, skill, and determination but also with fairness and a spirit of brotherhood.
The curtain raiser witnessed special performances from Vetho, Moko Koza, Mengu, Guru Gee, Tutu, Vidi & Vivo and 15th NAP (IR) Mahila Band.
The inaugural ceremony was chaired by organizing committee convenor, Vizokho Zashiimo while Metebo-o Sote, ASU secretary for Games & Sports administered oath to the participating teams. Earlier, laying of wreaths and hoisting of flag took take place at NSF Martyrs’ Park, Kohima.
A total of 43 teams from Nagaland (34) and Manipur (9) are competing in he tournament, which will conclude on October 5.
The prize money for the champions is Rs 3 lakh while the runner-up will receive Rs 1.80 lakh. Semi finalists will get Rs. 40,000 each while quarter-finalists will receive Rs 25,000 each.
Individual awards for best midfielder, defender and top scorer have been set at Rs. 10,000 each. The player of the tournament will be awarded with Rs. 50,000.
NSF Solidarity Message
Delivering a solidarity message, Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) president Medovi Rhi offered respect and honour in remembrance of the two martyrs whose lives were laid down at the altar of Democracy 38 years ago.
“On the 20th of March 1986, when thousands of students came forward to extend their solidarity to the NSF to protest against the extension of the Disturbed Areas Act (DAA) from the 5 -20 km belt along the Indo-Burma border and the introduction of the Indian Police Service cadre in Nagaland (which focused on inducting non-Nagas), Lt. Kekuojalie Sachü of Kohima Village and Lt. Vikhozo Yhoshü of Kigwema village succumbed to the indiscriminate firing upon the peaceful agitating students by the armed police forces from Alichen,” he said.
Through the martyrdom of the two noble souls, the NSF president said their aspirations and hopes were renewed with a sense of direction and purpose, and the ultimate “goal for peace” which he said is the prayer and the aspiration of the Naga people, came into being.
“Let their bravery inspire us to strive for a better future, where the aspirations of our martyrs are realized and the spirit of Naga cause prevails,” he added.
ASU on NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy
ASU president Khriesamhalie David Mere in his welcome address said: “In order to honor the supreme sacrifice of late Kekuojalie Sachû of Kohima village and Late Vikhozo Yhoshü of Kigwema village who were the victims in the indiscriminate firing of the Nagaland armed police from Alichen on 20th march, 1986 during a peaceful rally called by Naga Students’ Federation to protest against the state government’s decision on the extension of disturbed area belt from 5 km -20 km along the Indo-Myanmar border and against the induction of Indian police service (IPS) cadre into the state of Nagaland, the Angami Students Union has been organizing this tournament.”
“We will all emerge victorious in pursuit of peace and harmony,” he remarked.
Red Scars FC Win Inaugural Match
Defending champions Red Scars FC edged past Mez & Co with a solitary goal in the inaugural match. The winning moment came early, courtesy of a stunning free kick by captain Asito Krose, known for his accuracy from set pieces. Krose’s strike in the 3rd minute gave Red Scars an early lead. However, technical difficulties with the floodlights caused a brief delay. Once the match resumed, there was little action as Red Scars maintained their lead until the final whistle. Haokholen Kipgen, wearing jersey number 7 for Red Scars FC, was named Man of the Match.
Red Scars will face Tsiepfutsiepfhe Youth Organisation in the next round on September 21.
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