The State-Level Pre-Subroto U-17 Girls’ Football Tournament got underway with an opening ceremony at Indira Gandhi (IG) Stadium, Kohima on Tuesday.
Speaking as the special guest, Anthony Ngullie, IAS, Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Department of Youth Resources & Sports (YRS) said that the Prime Minister himself had recognised the grassroots initiatives undertaken by the department. He expressed happiness over the department’s inclusion in the Prime Minister’s Mann Ki Baat programme and acknowledged the hard work and commitment of the Department of Youth Resources & Sports in nurturing and promoting sportspersons across the state.
Delivering a brief note on the tournament, Jakedovo Chase, Joint Director, Department of Youth Resources & Sports, said the Subroto Cup is one of Asia’s oldest inter-school football tournaments, held annually since its inception in 1960 under the aegis of the Indian Air Force. The tournament was conceptualised in 1958 by Air Marshal Subroto Mukerjee, India’s first Chief of Air Staff and a passionate football enthusiast. Following his untimely demise in 1960, the tournament was launched in his honour with the support of then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, beginning with just 50 teams.
He said the tournament was renamed the Subroto International Football Tournament in 2001, following which schools from several foreign countries began participating annually.
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Highlighting Nagaland’s performance, Chase said the state has enjoyed remarkable success in the prestigious tournament over the years, winning the title on several occasions. This year, the Government and the Department have fielded teams in both the Under-17 Boys’ and Girls’ categories.
For the qualifying stage, all 17 districts were divided into four zones, with the top two teams from each zone in both categories advancing to the state-level tournament. The zonal rounds witnessed the participation of 32 boys’ teams and 10 girls’ teams.
He added that the champions in both the boys’ and girls’ categories will represent Nagaland at the 65th Subroto Mukerjee International Football Tournament, scheduled to be held in New Delhi from August 18 to September 25, 2026.
The programme was chaired by Kethosituo Sekhose, NCS, Director, Department of Youth Resources & Sports. The welcome address was delivered by Khriehutuo Tsira, Senior State Sports Coach, Department of Youth Resources & Sports, while a special number was presented by Neila Thaprü. Naroenla, YRSO, administered the players’ oath.
The invocation was pronounced by Vikhoto Zao, Associate Pastor, PCRC.
A total of seven teams are participating in the girls’ state-level tournament.
