The North East Zone Inter-University (Men’s) Football Tournament concluded on November 15, 2024, at Nagaland University Headquarters in Lumami, with National Sports University (NSU), Manipur, clinching the championship title. The tournament witnessed intense competition, with Nagaland University (NU) securing second place, Dibrugarh University finishing third, and Dhanamanjuri University (Manipur) taking fourth place.
According to a press release by NU PRO Peter Ki, 14 university teams from the eight northeastern states participated in knockout rounds from November 11 to 13, determining the top four teams. These four teams then competed in league matches on November 14 and 15 to finalize the rankings. Individual awards were also presented, with Rankathung of Nagaland University winning Best Goalkeeper, Jetlee from NSU earning Best Striker, and Tapas Saikia of Dibrugarh University being named Player of the Tournament.
The closing ceremony was held immediately after the final match, celebrating a week of exhilarating football action. Special guest and Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner, Thsuvisie Phoji, commended Nagaland University for hosting the event and praised the dedication and competitive spirit of the teams. Highlighting the region’s rich sporting history, Phoji stated, “Tournaments like this showcase the immense football talent of the Northeast and foster unity and peace amidst ongoing challenges.”
Phoji also urged athletes to embrace their roles as ambassadors of peace and sportsmanship, emphasizing the transformative power of sports in building solidarity across the region.
Chief Guest Prof. Jagadish K. Patnaik, Vice Chancellor of Nagaland University, lauded the sports section for successfully organizing the tournament. He remarked, “Sport is the only binding force where all the Northeastern states come together to share a common goal of excellence.” Reflecting on the region’s resilience despite infrastructural challenges, Patnaik noted the Northeast’s contributions to India’s sports landscape, including producing Olympians who have brought pride to the nation. He expressed optimism about improving sports infrastructure and announced the university’s interest in hosting the Women’s Football Tournament next year.
Dr. Harish Kumar Tiwari, Organizing Secretary of the tournament, extended gratitude to all contributors, including the Vice Chancellor for his leadership and support. He commended the participation of players from the eight northeastern universities and announced that the top four teams would represent the North East Zone in the All India Inter-Zonal Tournament, scheduled at GNA University, Phagwara, Punjab, from December 27, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
Hosting the tournament marked a significant achievement for Nagaland University, as it was the first time the institution organized the North East Zone Inter-University Men’s Football Tournament. The host team’s stellar performance earned them a place among the top four, a historic first in the university’s 30-year history. The team was managed by Mesanguto Meru, Assistant Director of Sports, and coached by Watimenba Longchar.
The closing ceremony, chaired by Dr. Ashutosh Tripathi, Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences, concluded with a vote of thanks by Watimenba Longchar, the university’s football coach. Technical officiating was handled by the Mokokchung District Football Referee Board.
Organized under the aegis of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), New Delhi, the tournament exemplified the region’s passion for football and the unifying spirit of sports. It was a proud moment for Nagaland University, not just as hosts but also as top performers, contributing to the region’s growing legacy in Indian sports.