The first edition of the 35+ MFL Vision League, an Under-13 football tournament, commenced on December 6 at Mojabile Football Turf, Mokokchung. Inaugural edition has six team participants consisting players aged between 8 and 13 years. The league is organized by the 35+ Mokokchung Football League and is powered by Longterok Football Club, under the aegis of the Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA).
Tiakumzuk, convenor, informed Nagaland Tribune that 72 children players aged between 8 and 13 years are participating in the tournament. He added that it is a league format where each team will play every other team twice, making it two rounds of play. The league will continue with one more match on December 9, and would resume next year by the end of January or early February.
Gracing the opening event as the chief guest, Assistant Commissioner, Ajay Moktan, IAS, underlined the value of sports in developing children’s discipline, teamwork, and resilience. He stated that platforms such as this allow young players to grow both individually and collectively.
MDFA Vice President Bendangnukshi encouraged the budding footballers to acquire meaningful lessons through the sport, adding that the Vision League is expected to shape new approaches to football and inspire future talent.
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Senior Superintendent of Police, Mokokchung, Vesupra Kezo, NPS, called upon the players to make the most of the tournament, stay focused, and not be discouraged by challenges, and remarked that “tomorrow’s football stars are being made here.”
The brief inaugural programme was chaired by Er. Imtiyanger Imchen. An invocation prayer was pronounced by Imliwapang, Pastor of Christ Church, while the welcome address was delivered by
Tiakumzuk, Convenor of the league.
Each of the six participating teams is mentored by members of the 35+ Mokokchung Football League, who will provide guidance throughout the competition. The tournament aims to promote early sports development, exposure, and mentorship for young footballers within the district.
