The boys from Pilgrim Higher Secondary School (PHSS), Dimapur, coaches and support staff were given a grand welcome on their arrival at Dimapur Airport on Saturday. The team had returned home from New Delhi after winning the prestigious 61st Subroto Cup 2022 Junior Boys U-17.

The last and the only time Nagaland won the cup, which is organised by IAF with help of Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, was in the year 1980 when the final match between Government High School, Dimapur, Nagaland and Ibemcha HSS, Manipur finished in a draw.

Football-loving Nagaland is indeed elated by the victory of the PHSS boys who have brought glory to the state.

Read also: Nagaland win prestigious Subroto Cup Boys U-17 after 42 years

Er Zale Neikha, Member of Legislative Assembly, Nagaland & Advisor, Youth Resources and Sports Department, Government of Nagaland, welcomed the winners of the coveted trophy at the airport.

He said that it was amazing to see the young budding sportspersons showing such enthusiasm for football and expressed hope that they would someday become renowned players. He exhorted them to work harder and take their skills to higher platforms.

Neikha conveyed his sincere appreciation to the coach of the Youth Resources sponsored team, S Mughato Aye, and manager Akihito Zhimo for their dedication shown towards the players from Nagaland.

He also thanked the parents of the young boys, stating that the children’s triumph at the Subroto Cup would not have been possible without their consents and prayers.

At the felicitation programme, coach S Mughato Aye recounted the nail-biting quarter final match against the Meghalaya team who had not lost a game this year. He mentioned that the game was so close that he began praying for a miracle. Nagaland went on to become the first team to win against Meghalaya this year, beating them 5-4.

Mughato also mentioned that Chandigarh was a worthy opponent and one of the best in the championship.

In the end, the coach of the winning team expressed his gratitude to the sport loving people for the wonderful welcome.

Delighted to personally welcome our Champion & winner of the 61st InterNational #SubrotoCup2022 at Dmp Airport. Wishing them a warm congratulation and hoping to bring more achievements and laurels to the State. @MyGovNagaland @CmoNagaland @NagalandOlympic @DYRS16 @dipr_nagaland pic.twitter.com/nPtdNH6RGk

— Zale Neikha (@neikha_zale) October 15, 2022