The profound impact of sports in bringing together youth remains well acknowledged and hence the Sixth Edition of Capt (Late) N Kenguruse, MVC, (P) Memorial Football Tournament amongst football passionate youth of Nagaland is significant.

Considering this as the substratum, Kohima Battalion of Assam Rifles under the aegis of IGAR (North), in collaboration with Nagaland Football Association organised the opening ceremony of the 6th Edition of Capt (Late) N Kenguruse, MVC(P) Memorial Football Tournament at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, Nagaland on 15 November.

The tournament is organised annually by Assam Rifles on behalf of HQ 3 Corps, to remember the Late Captain who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty during Operation Vijay and to celebrate the sportsmanship spirit of Nagas.

The opening ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Maj Gen Vikas Lakhera, SM, IG AR (N), Mr & Mrs Neiselie Kenguruse, the parents of Capt (Late) N Kenguruse, Subedar (Hony Capt) Imli Akum Ao, MVC (Retd), 2 NAGA, Kevingutuo Sekhose, Head of Referees, Advisor Medo Yhokha, K N Sekhose, former APO President, representatives of Angami Youth Organisation and Angami Students’ Organisation.

Addressing the opening ceremony, the Chief Guest recalled the heroic acts of Capt (Late) N Kenguruse, MVC(P) who made sacrifices at the icy heights of Dras and thanked his parents for gracing the event.

He also expressed his gratitude to Subedar (Hony Capt) Imli Akum Ao who was awarded MVC for his exceptional gallantry and courage in the Kargil Conflict.

He asserted that during a short span of eight years, the tournament has become a showcase sporting event for Nagaland as is evident by its popularity. He thanked the Nagaland Football Association for collaborating with the Assam Rifles for the conduct of this tournament. He further conveyed his best wishes to all the participating teams.

Neiselie Kenguruse, father of Capt (Late) N Kenguruse in his brief address expressed his gratitude toward Assam Rifles for organising this event.

A total of 18 teams from different districts of the state are participating in the nine-day long tournament from 15 to 23 November. The winners’ trophy and runners up trophy were unveiled during the ceremony. The winning team would be awarded a cash prize of Rs 2 Lakhs, apart from the rolling trophy.

The opening ceremony also witnessed musical performances from the Assam Rifles Band, Bright Morning Star Children Home and Kohima Orphanage & Destitute Home.

The opening match played between Tehok FC (Mon) and Aphuyemi FC (Zunheboto) was won by Tehok FC by 5-1.