The 3rd Edition of the Salangtem Youth Union (SYU) Open Futsal Tournament kicked off on April 28 at Mojabi Futsal Turf, Salangtem Ward, organized by the SYU under the aegis of MDFA.
Nineteen teams from various places, including Wokha, Dimapur, Tuli, and Longjang, are competing for attractive cash prizes, with the first prize set at Rs 60,000 along with a trophy, the second prize at Rs 40,000, and the third prize at Rs 10,000. An additional Rs 10,000 will be awarded as individual prizes.
Inaugurating the event as special guest, Temsuchuba Jamir, SDO (Civil), Mokokchung, congratulated the SYU for successfully organizing the third edition, saying it had been achieved because of “unity.”
Jamir also called for introspection on Mokokchung’s tag as the “Land of Pioneers,” admitting that the district was once a pioneer in football too. However, he noted a decline in recent years and asked, “Did our pride and laziness get in our way to compete or be at par with other?”
He urged the youth and the organizers to make the best use of available opportunities, stating, “During our time we did not have the infrastructure for our leisure time, but you are fortunate to have the infrastructure.”
Echoing similar sentiments, MDFA President N. Akok Longkumer lamented the decline of football in Mokokchung district and emphasized that the MDFA is working on reviving it. He highlighted that the association has now divided into nine different zonals to cater to grassroots football.
S Bendang, Chairman of Salangtem Ward Yimden, lauded the unity of the youth in successfully organizing the tournament. He added that the Ward Yimden is always ready to extend support and assured that the Yimden will monitor the tournament to ensure any untoward incidents are dealt with promptly.