‘MDFA Trophy a fantastic platform for promoting grassroots football’
Mokokchung, October 11 (MTNews): The much awaited MDFA Trophy 2022 commenced on October 11 at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung with Aotula T. Imchen IPS, Superintendent of Police Mokokchung gracing the inaugural program as the Chief Match Patron.
During her speech, Imchen praised the Mokokchung District Football Association for successfully hosting the tournament for the service of the public while further adding that the recently conducted Dr. T Ao Trophy organized by the MDFA had been much appreciated by the people in and across the state for elevating the level of the trophy to another pedestal.
She went on to encourage the players, adding that the trophy, being the most prestigious in the district, was a fantastic platform for promoting and motivating grassroots level involvement while also boosting the level of the players to aim for State, National, and International competitions.
“We all know Football is not just a beautiful game but it is also an emotion for many people. And it should be the collective desire of all that there is unity through sports,” she said while adding that Sports is the medium to develop relationships and friendship which allows us to strive and compete hard with the spirit of sportsmanship in our hearts and minds.
The SP also stated that not everyone is meant to excel in studies and sports, and thus a platform like this was needed for one to be aware of their talents and gifts. Urging the young participants and match officials she added that over the years many young sports persons and officials had built their lives and careers through sports asserting that one should make the best use of the opportunities provided to excel in the game and sharpen the skills.
She further mentioned that the Government, with the initiative and leadership of Nagaland DGP T John Longkumer, has recently inaugurated the sports battalion, which would inspire many young talents and provide them with opportunities to prosper in life.
SSS, Revenant FC shares points
In an exciting inaugural match between Sports Society Soyim and Revenant FC, both teams demonstrated perseverance in keeping their heads in the game, eventually sharing a point each as the final whistle blew.
SSS broke the ice in the 34th minute of the first half with Suyimmayang scoring the tournament’s first goal, but Talijungba equalized for the Revenant side in the 58th minute, sending the sides home with a point each.
Both sides were unable to exceed each other’s offences and defenses as they maintained a 50-50 possession throughout the game ending the match with a score line of 1-1.
Earlier, DC Mokokchung and President, District Sports Council, Shashank Pratap Singh IAS gave the keynote address and L Yanger Ltr, Convenor delivered a brief greeting while Imnayanger, Tournament Secretary presided over the Oath taking.
The inaugural session also witnessed the MDFA acknowledging the retirement of Lanunukshi for his dedication as a referee for 20 years.