A carrom tournament involving 28 teams is helping the Kichutip Sporting Association (KSA) raise funds for the next edition of its Nagaland Open U-15 Futsal Tournament, scheduled to be held in 2027.
KSA began organising the state-level U-15 futsal tournament in 2025 under the aegis of the Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA). With the tournament held biennially, the association is using the intervening year to mobilise funds for the next edition.
Around Rs 6 lakh is estimated to be required to organise the 2027 tournament, according to Imtichiba, President, KSA.
To support the fundraising effort, KSA has turned to carrom, with 28 teams participating in the tournament. The initiative combines a recreational sporting activity with an effort to support opportunities for young footballers.
The organisers said carrom was chosen because the game involves strategy and hand-eye coordination while also providing a recreational activity through which people can come together and contribute to the fundraising effort.
The U-15 futsal tournament is intended to provide young players with a platform to compete and gain experience in organised football. However, the association said financial constraints make organising such an event a challenge, making fundraising an important part of its preparations.