Peren District Football League (PDFL), which made history as the first district league in Nagaland to auction players, kicked off its second edition on Saturday at the New Jalukie village football ground today.
The 2nd PDFL is organized by the Peren District Football Association (PDFA) in collaboration with the New Jalukie Super League. The league was inaugurated by the Director of the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Government of Nagaland, Kethosituo Sekhose, who served as the special guest for the tournament.
The opening match was played between the defending league champion Puiteing FC, who secured a comfortable 5-2 victory over debutant Kuki FC. In a nail-biting second match, Jalukie Falcon FC defeated Benreu FC 2-1.
In his welcome address, Peren District Football Association (PDFA) President Raithu Newmai stated that the PDFA organized this league with the vision of providing a platform for talented players to showcase their skills and bring joy to the fans.
“We aim to foster an atmosphere of professionalism in sports, particularly football,” he said. Newmai also urged players to demonstrate their skills and professionalism throughout the league. He informed that through this league, the PDFA will be selecting the district team for the upcoming Dr T Ao Trophy, scheduled to be held in September in Tuensang.
Speaking at the opening ceremony as the special guest, Sekhose praised the PDFA for professionally organizing the league and credited the association with producing high-caliber players, which was made possible through the collective efforts of its leaders. He revealed that the present government, under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, has been placing greater emphasis on sports, leading to the development of more sports infrastructure and projects. He also urged parents to encourage their children to practice and participate in tournaments, especially those with the potential to shine on national and international stages.
In a brief address, Nagaland Football Association (NFA) President Neibu Sekhose commended the PDFA for elevating the standard of football in the state. He also informed that the NFA is sending a women’s futsal team for Asia Cup trials.
OSD Sports, Government of Nagaland, Roko Angami, officials from the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Government of Nagaland, ADC Jalukie, DSO Peren, and various Peren District CSO members also attended the program.
The auction, held in the last week of July, saw a total expenditure of Rs 4.67 lakhs, with 29 players finding new teams. In this second edition of the league, each club has been allotted three guest players from outside the district, while other players are registered under the PDFA. Players from across Nagaland, including those from neighboring states Assam and Manipur, are participating in the league. The league, which began on August 17, will conclude in September.
