Barak FC were declared the winners of the 6th Edition of Capt (Late) N Kenguruse, Mahavir Chakra (Posthumous) Memorial Football Tournament and awarded a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh and a rolling trophy by the chief guest, J Alam, Chief Secretary of Nagaland, at the closing ceremony on 23 November at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.
Champions – Barak FC.
Lengreng FC were the runners up and received a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh. Head Hunters FC (164 Infantry Battalion TA Naga) and Tehok FC, Mon were awarded cash prize of Rs 50,000 and Rs 25,000 for securing the 3rd and 4th position respectively.
Runners up – Lengreng FC.
Inspectorate General of Assam Rifles (North) in collaboration with Nagaland Football Association organised the 6th Edition of Capt (Late) N Kenguruse, Mahavir Chakra (Posthumous) Memorial Football Tournament
The Tournament is conducted annually by Assam Rifles in memory of Capt (Late) N Kenguruse, Mahavir Chakra (Posthumous) who laid down his life on the icy heights of Drass during Operation Vijay. The event also aims to promote the spirit of sportsmanship amongst the youth of Nagaland. This edition of the tournament was conducted from 15 to 23 November.
The ceremony was graced by J Alam, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Nagaland as the Chief Guest; Maj Gen Vikas Lakhera, SM, IGAR (North); Mr & Mrs Neiselie Kenguruse, parents of Capt N Kenguruse; President of Nagaland Football Association Neibu Sekhose, and Head of referees, Kevingutuo Sekhose.
16 teams from all districts of the state participated in the tournament. The nine-day long tournament reached its culmination with the final match played between the two top teams Lengreng FC & Barak FC.
Addressing the congregation, J Alam, IAS appreciated the role of Assam Rifles in ensuring that the inspirational story and sacrifice of brave son-of-soil Capt N Kenguruse, MVC, remains etched in the memory of the generations to come.
He also complimented the Assam Rifles for the tireless efforts in ensuring peace and prosperity in the state of Nagaland.
Mentioning that Nagas are second to none in football, Alam highlighted that the tournament is aimed at fusing the indomitable Naga spirit and passion of Naga youth for football, thus creating avenues to achieve their aspirations and dreams.
He further complimented Team Nagaland for their stupendous performance in the recently concluded Northeast Olympics 2022.
Brigadier Herjinder Singh, Commander, 5 Sector Assam Rifles, in his address thanked J Alam, Chief Secretary, Government of Nagaland, Mr & Mrs Neiselie Kenguruse, parents of Capt N Kenguruse, for gracing the event and complemented all the teams which participated in the event with full zeal and gusto.
The ceremony was mesmerized by a combined Pipe Band display by Assam Rifles and a video on legendary of Capt (Late) N Kenguruse, MVC (P).
In the individual categories, Athanah Newmai and Haileuyibe of Barak FC with six goals were awarded with the ‘Golden Boot’ award and a cash prize of Rs 10,000; Alemse of Head Hunters FC (164 TA) was adjudged ‘Best Goal Keeper’ and awarded with a cash prize of Rs 6,000; Haotinmang Thomsong of Head Hunters FC (164 TA) was adjudged ‘Best Mid fielder’ and awarded with a cash prize of Rs 6,000; and Mapie of Barak FC was adjudged ‘Best Manager’ and awarded with a cash prize of Rs 5,000.
