The first edition of the Lt Toshi Wongtong Memorial Football Tournament got underway on January 8 with the opening semi-final match between Old Showuba Village Students’ Union and Shiponger Village Students’ Union, marking a new sporting initiative aimed at nurturing young football talent in the Shamator region.
The tournament was formally inaugurated by Advisor for Youth Resources and Sports and Chairman of DPDB Shamator, S Keoshu Yimchunger, who attended the event as the special guest. Addressing the gathering, Yimchunger called on the youth to remain self-disciplined, hardworking and humble, and urged them to place God at the centre of their lives and pursuits.
Referring to the Centre’s vision of Viksit Bharat, Yimchunger said the initiative seeks to build India as a powerhouse of talent and sports, and noted that Nagaland’s youth possess immense raw potential across various disciplines. He encouraged young players to remain focused and committed, stating that discipline and dedication are key to transforming talent into achievement.
Yimchunger also appreciated the family of late Lt Toshi Wongtong and the Yimkhiung Akherü Arihako (YAA) for initiating and supporting the tournament, describing it as a meaningful effort to uplift young athletes from the area. He extended his best wishes to all the teams and finalists.
Joint Secretary of the Nagaland Football Association, L. Shahoto Yimchunger, and Dokiu Kecham, brother of Lt. Toshi Wongtong, also addressed the gathering and encouraged the players to pursue the sport with sincerity and perseverance.
The program was chaired by Kumlumong Akum and Shihtsangla, with a welcome address by J Lunsokhiung, Games and Sports Secretary of YAA. An invocation was pronounced by Martin, Catechist of St Xavier Parish, Shamator, followed by a special musical number by Amon R. The event concluded with the ceremonial kick-off and decoration of the finalists by the special guest.
