The first edition of Frontier Trophy under the theme “Fight Against Drugs” and organised by the Khiamniungan Students’ Union ( KSU) commenced on May 5 at Local Ground, Noklak.

Inaugural guest of the football championship, MLA P Longon in his address, spoke about the  abuse of drugs that has affected millions of people. He said the theme of the tournament is very relevant in the present context and asserted it a joint responsibility of all to educate the younger generation.

Stating that while drugs are manufactured for a good purpose to treat illness, the MLA pointed out that it is often misused for pleasure, leading to addiction. Expressing concern that the younger generation are falling into the habit of drug-use in various forms in today’s society, Longon appreciated the people in the district for taking up responsibility to fight against drug abuse by coming together as a community at village and range levels. He hoped that the joint efforts would bear fruit for change in the society.

Further, the MLA expressed his excitement to witness the display of sportsmanship from the players. “Football as we all know has a unique ability to unite people transcending boundaries of age, culture and background,” he said.

He expressed his appreciation to the KSU for organising the tournament which could provide a platform for the aspiring players through which they can be nurtured as the next generation of football stars.

Mentioning the state government’s initiative of creating football platforms in the state, Longon is hopeful to see players from the district to rise and participate in competitions such as the Nagaland Super League.

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The opening match was played between Minimum Wagers Vs Rising Ballers with the former winning the match by two goals to zero. The tournament will continue till May 15.

The Khiamniungan Students’ Union’s Frontier Trophy is an open football tournament, initiated during its 60th Federal Assembly Session in 2023 with the aim to arouse the spirit of sportsmanship and unity within the community.

At its heart, the trophy aspires to unearth the talents of young individuals who possess passion and potential yet remain shackled by a lack of opportunity. The tournament endeavours to engage the youth in sport, transcending the notion of mere play, and instead charting a trajectory that may guide them towards employment and purpose, thus curbing idleness.

As teams from every village and town within the Khiamniungan homeland come together in a spirit of camaraderie and competition, they will not only showcase their athletic prowess but also champion the message of “No To Drugs”. The KSU aspires to instil in the youth a sense of responsibility and determination to resist the allure of substances, fostering positive choices for a brighter future through the values of teamwork, discipline, and healthy rivalry.

The Frontier Trophy stands as more than just a sporting event; it is a beacon for social change and empowerment within the community, to steer the youth away from social vices and substances.