The 8th edition of the Captain N Kenguruse MVC Memorial Football Tournament concluded dramatically at Kohima’s Indira Gandhi Stadium, with the Headhunters defeating Mez & Co. 3-0 to claim the championship. The Headhunters took home the trophy, medals, and a cash prize of Rs 3 lakhs, while Mez & Co., as runners-up, received Rs 1.5 lakhs.
In a fiercely contested final, the teams were deadlocked until extra time, when Pursunep of the Headhunters broke through in the 93rd minute. Thanglenhao and Visieto added goals in the 113th and 115th minutes, securing the win for the Headhunters.
In the third-place match, Halcyon United dominated Dynamo FC with a 7-0 victory. Vebizo scored a hat trick, while Erikulo, Eneibe, and Petevizo also netted goals. Halcyon United received Rs 75,000, and Dynamo FC, finishing fourth, took home Rs 50,000.
Individual awards were also given: Kevisanyu of Maverick FC won the Golden Boot with six goals, earning Rs 13,000, while Dziesengulie of Headhunters received the Golden Glove and Rs 8,000. The Best Defender, Thejangulie Zatsu of Mez & Co., and Best Midfielder, Winamthiu of Headhunters, were each awarded Rs 28,000. Hamping L of Headhunters was named Player of the Tournament, winning Rs 13,000.
Chief Guest Imkong L Imchen, Advisor for Information & Public Relations and Soil & Water Conservation, honored the legacy of Captain N Kenguruse, urging athletes to embrace resilience, teamwork, and integrity. He commended the Indian Army and Assam Rifles for promoting sports and engaging with Nagaland’s youth, highlighting the importance of sportsmanship and leadership in nation-building. Imchen expressed optimism for the future of sports in Nagaland and thanked the organizers and participants for the tournament’s success.