Football unites the world like no other sports do and the love and passion for football is a universal phenomenon. Mokokchung is no less passionate than any other football loving corner around the world. In the bygone years, this scenic town has witness the rise of many football talents who have gone on to shine beyond the borders. However, the status quo has changed and today we see our footballers not catching up with the players of the other districts around us. We have reached a point where there is an urgent need to reignite the passion within to catch up and progress with the rest of the state and the country. The football fraternity needs to wake up to this reality.
Recently, we have seen an increase in activity where football is concerned. The setting up of Mojabi Futsal Turf early this year is not only an entrepreneurial venture, but it has garnered interests among many football lovers, young and old. Consequently, the new Futsal Turf at Yimyu is also a step in the right direction.
This year we have seen a rise in futsal tournaments, which is a good platform for the development of football in the town and district. Apart from the tournaments, it is learned that two leagues are in active season. These are healthy developments. The onus is on MDFA and perhaps the concerned Govt. Departments and machineries to take full advantage of the recent activities. It is my hope that in no time, our youngsters will be propelled to national and international arenas, like in the past.
On a positive note, there is something called the “35+ Mokokchung Football League”, which is gearing up to start its fourth season. This League was first named as “Mokokchung Friday League (35 and kicking)”. In the first, second and third seasons, the matches were played every Friday.
However, for the fourth season, it has been decided to shift the match day from Friday to Saturday and hence, the name change has been initiated. This write up may be considered as a press release for the name change for the media fraternity as well as all stakeholders. The fourth season will kick off on 26th August and will conclude when the 10 match days are over. Every match day will have 3 matches.
This league is not a professional league and also not under any Organization/Association. However, the matches are conducted in the most professional manner. The league which belongs to all the players is managed by a Core Committee and every season is organized by an Organizing Committee, under a Coordinator. The conduct of the league is supported and sponsored by the registration fee contributed by each player and donations of well wishers.
As of now, the league comprises of 6 teams. There is space for the increase in the number of teams. The age of the players, as the name suggests, range from 35 and some are even beyond 55 years. As the league progresses, we hope that players in the 60s will also play. The minimum age cut off is strictly followed.
The sole purpose of the league is friendship, fellowship and fitness. By the age of 35, an individual’s life path is almost already made up. More often than not, beyond 35, a person is an important contributing member in the society. Caught up with the busy schedule, he is naturally forced to retire from any sporting activity and maintaining fitness becomes a problem and staying healthy becomes an issue.
This is the reason why the league focuses on fitness. Since most members are often busy, the league is an important platform to meet and socialize. This league is a colourful community. We have a wide range of players from different professions; Policeman, Stone masons, Construction assistants, Carpenters, Cab drivers, Entrepreneurs, Politicians, Social Activists, Clergymen, Freelancers, Government Employees, Bureaucrats, Engineers, Teachers, Professors, etc. In the 35+ Mokokchung Football League, we are all just football lovers where friendship and fitness is the core.
Do come and support the league if you are free on Saturday afternoons.
Dr L Walling