The Peren District Football League (PDFL) which created history for being the first district in Nagaland to auction players in district level league kicked off its second edition on Saturday at New Jalukie village football ground.
The 2nd PDFL is being organised by Peren District Football Association (PDFA) in collaboration with New Jalukie Super League.
The league was kicked off by director Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Government of Nagaland, Kethosituo Sekhose, who was also the special guest of the tournament.
The opening match was played between defending league champion Puiteing FC, who secured a comfortable win over the debutant Kuki FC 5-2. In a nail biting encounter second match, Jalukie Falcon FC defeated Benreu FC 2-1.
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In his welcome address, Peren District Football Association (PDFA) president Raithu Newmai said that the PDFA has organised this league with a vision of providing a platform for it’s talented players to showcase their talents and bring joy to the fans. “We aim to foster an atmosphere of professionalism in sports, particularly football”, he said.
Newmai also appealed the players to showcase their skills and professionalism throughout the league. He also informed that through this league, PDFA will be selecting the district team for the upcoming Dr. T Ao ’rophy scheduled to be held in Sephember in Tuensang.
Speaking at the opening ceremony as the special guest, Sekhose lauded the PDFA for professionally organising the grand league and attributed the association for producing high class players which was possible with the collective efforts of the leaders.
The special guest revealed that the present day government under the dynamic leadership of chief minister Neiphiu Rio has been projecting more focus on sports thereby bringing more sports infrastructures and projects.
He also urged the parents to encourage their children from practising and participating in tournaments, who have the calibre to shine in national and intentional arenas.
In his brief address, Nagaland Football Association (NFA) president, Neibu Sekhose lauded the PDFA for taking the standard of football in the state to greater height. He also informed that NFA is sending women’s futsal team for Asia Cup trial.
OSD Sports, Government of Nagaland, Roko Angami, officials from Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Government of Nagaland, ADC Jalukie, DSO Peren, various Peren District CSOs members also atended the programme.
The auction which was hel’ in the last week of July saw a total expenditure of Rs. 4.67 Lakhs where 29 players found their new team. In this second edition league, each club has been allotted three guest players from outside the district where other players are registered under PDFA. Players from across Nagaland are participating in the league including players from neighbouring states Assam and Manipur. The league that that began on August 17 will conclude on September.
