The 5th edition of the Mokokchung Inter Ward Football Tournament 2024, organized by the Marepkong Youth Association (MYA) under the theme “Rise as One,” will begin from March 12 – 23 March 2024 at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung.
At a Press Conference held today at the Community Hall, Marepkong Ward, Bendangnukshi, Convenor of the Organizing Committee, informed that the registration process will commence from 19 February to 2 March 2024. Registration forms can be obtained from Shop No. 48, MMC Shopping Complex, with a registration fee of Rs. 3000.
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The champion will receive a cash prize of Rs. 50,000 along with a trophy and certificates, while the runners-up will be awarded Rs. 30,000 along with a trophy and certificates. Additionally, individual prizes for Highest Scorer, Best Goalkeeper, Best Defender, and Player of the Tournament will be awarded.
Talinungsang Longkumer, a member of the Organizing Committee, emphasized that the tournament is exclusively for Mokokchung citizens to promote local talent. The organizers encourage participation from young talents who are permanent residents of Mokokchung, prohibiting the hiring of players from outside. Furthermore, a portion of the revenue generated from ticket sales will be shared with the participating teams.
The organizers expressed their aspiration to revive the district’s sporting glory and invited all 18 wards of Mokokchung to participate in the tournament under the banner of Peace, Harmony, and Truth. They unveiled this year’s special edition tournament logo and theme, symbolizing the collective unity and aspiration to reclaim past glory.
Sangtemla Ward, champion of the 4th edition of Mokokchung Inter Ward Football Tournament
Moreover, teams wishing to display the tournament logo and theme on their jerseys must obtain copyright permission from the MYA office.
The organizers anticipate a high turnout, aiming to surpass last year’s participation of 13 wards, with a record of 15 wards in previous editions. The winners of the First, Second, Third, and Fifth editions were Arkong, Artang, Mongsenbai, and Sangtemla Ward respectively.
Post-tournament (after the tournament), the organizers plan to establish a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a Guwahati-based Football Academy, offering talented players a platform for further development as in, if they find any capable football players, they will be selected and provide them a platform to join the academy. However, the final decision to send players to the academy rests with their families, as financial responsibilities will be borne by themselves.
Looking ahead, the MYA aims to make the tournament self-financed by 2026, with plans to rotate hosting responsibilities among all 18 wards.
The organizing committee has announced that all 18 wards have been participating in the tournament successfully over the years. This year, they encourage all 18 wards to participate once again. Despite being one of the smallest youth associations, the MYA has received financial and physical support from well-wishers. The MYA acknowledges the support of people from all walks of life and the citizens of Mokokchung. They hope that the tournament will foster togetherness, unity, and nurture young talents.
