The 6th Edition of Christmas Challenge open Football Tournament kicked off on December 5 at Local Ground Tsuwao.
Under the theme ‘Fostering Change’, the tournament is being organised by Tsuwao Students’ Union. MLA Benei M Lamthiu who is also the General Secretary of Nagaland Football Association and a pioneer of Khiamniungan Sports Council graced the ceremony.
Lamthiu in his address to the gathering stated that Football remains the most loved games among all the sports events which unites hearts irrespective of young and old age. “Football is a religion in itself,” Lamthiu said. While appreciating the organising team and the participants, Lamthiu maintained that the ground is a temple for the players and encouraged the young players to not limit themselves in one field but keep a far-sighted approach to Sports as one big industry to build one’s career, family and the community as a whole. Lamthiu stressed on the Nagaland Government’s target to uplift youngsters in sports professionalism informing that the Nagaland State Football League will be launched soon where he also expressed hope that Khiamniungan players can also represent. Lamthiu also highlighted the purpose of why Khiamniungan Sports Council was priorly formed to which its reason was the rise of many enthusiastic sports persons in the District are seen and so as to mould them.
L. Imkhong Lam, Treasure, Khiamniungan Sports Council stated that earlier Noklak was always represented through districts, however he expressed pride that in recent years many laurels have been brought by sports persons representing Noklak district through various participations in different levels. Lam also informed that the winners of recently concluded Rural Sports meet will be participating in the upcoming Nagaland Olympics. The KSC also forwarded a proposal to implement Khiamniungan Sports Complex at EMRS school, informed Lam.
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Altogether, 10 football teams will be participating in the 6th Edition of the tournament. The first match was played between Nokshing King FC , Tsuwao and Arising Sporting Club, Pathso.
Earlier, the program was chaired by Hatho L, General Secretary TSU, while the opening prayer was pronounced by Liang Deacon, Tsuwao Baptist Church. A ceremonial remark was given by Langshe K, President, TSU, and special numbers were presented by M. Samuel Pujei and Chem.N. This was followed by the oath taking and a dedication and prayer for players by the Pastor TBT.
