The 4th Mokokchung Inter-Ward Football Tournament organized by Marepkong Youth Association under the theme “Towards Excellence” commenced today with Dr Sentitula IFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Mokokchung as the guest of honor at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung.
Emphasizing on the theme, Dr Sentitula said that, in this age of the ‘Alpha Generation’, we have to step with the changing times.
She said that the word that is attached to the Alpha Generation’s characteristics is SMART, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Tangible and Time bound. Using these words, she encouraged the players to bear these words in mind as they participate in the tournament.
Citing a philosopher, she said that in human life there is only “either/or” adding that “there is no neutrality, which means you either win or you quit.”
She further challenged the players to use the sport to discipline themselves and strive to become prominent players of the Alpha Generation.
Earlier in the program, Bendangnukshi, Convener of the Organizing Committee, delivered the welcome address while Lanuakum, Chairman, Salangtem Ward, delivered an exhortation.
Limatemjen Pongen, President, Marepkong Youth Association, oversaw the tournament’s oath taking ceremony.
The first match of the day was played between Arkong Ward and defending champions Mongsenbai Ward.
Imnatoshi of Mongsenbai Ward quickly took the lead for the defending champs on the 4 minute mark followed by another at the 57 minute mark. The Arkong side struggled to make an offensive move throughout the match. An additional goal by Menjur at the 59 minute mark sealed the deal for the Mongsenbai side leading to a disappointing goalless start for the winners of the 1st Inter ward tournament.
The second match of the day played between Dilong Ward and Penli Ward saw a total of 5 goals between the two teams but Penli ultimately took home all the 3 points from the game with a 3-2 win. Penli’s Bendangsoba’s stunner in the first minute of the match was quickly equalized by Dilong’s Temsuyanger but in no time Bendangsoba responded with another goal in the 11 minute mark. An own goal by Songlitoba gave Dilong the equalizer but Jungshiwati’s 20th minute goal sealed the deal for Penli to open their points account in Pool B.
Alempang suffered a 3-1 loss to Artang Ward in the third match of the day with goals from Yashimeren, Tongpang Lemtur and Namang from Artang’s side. A goal by Moasunep in the 55th minute did not make any difference to the Alempang side’s prospects as they opened their account with no points.
The tournament is played in a 60-minute per match format for the group stages. A total of 13 wards out of the 18 wards under the Mokokchung municipality are participating in the tournament.
Mokokchung Times