Kohima, 26 June (MTNews): The inaugural ceremony of the First Nagaland Open Women Football League cum Knock Out tournament took place at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima today. The event was inaugurated by Hekani Jakhalu Kense, Advisor for Industries and Commerce, and organized by the Youth Resource & Sports Department.
Addressing the audience at the inaugural program, Hekani praised the government’s visionary project in the field of women’s football, emphasizing its potential as a significant industry. She highlighted the achievements of neighboring states that have gained recognition in the global football arena and expressed her optimism that Nagaland will soon establish its presence on the world football map. Hekani urged the young participants to consider football as a career path that can provide a livelihood. She emphasized the importance of qualities such as leadership skills, teamwork, perseverance, focus, and goal-setting, which sports can instill and contribute to an individual’s success in life.
K Neibou Sekhose, President of the Nagaland Football Association (NFA), encouraged the women participants by referring to the football legend of the state, Dr T Ao. Despite being ill-equipped, Dr T Ao emerged as a successful footballer, and with improved facilities available now, the people of Nagaland can excel in the sports sector. He emphasized that it is not only the material resources but also passion, determination, courage, and hard work that will lead them towards achieving their goals.
He said AIFF has launched the grass root program, logo blue clubs, a football flagship program focusing on engaging 35 million children between the ages 4 to 12 by 2026 and 100 million by 2047 as part of “Vision 2047” from which Nagaland too will be benefited. He mentioned the agenda on “football for school” for which NFA will be collaborating with the Youth Resource and Sports and Education Department in a phase manner.
The program was led by Kethosituo Sekhose, Director of Youth Resources and Sports while Seyiekronuo Yhome performed a special number.