The Kohima District Football Association (KDFA) organised a felicitation programme for Nagaland Football Team (40+) champions of the 6th National Masters Games 2024 held at Goa.
The event was held with K Kire, IPS, Retd DGP Nagaland and President, Nagaland Veteran Football Association as the special guest.
Team Nagaland clinched the title in the 40+ men’s football category at the 6th National Masters Games held in Goa, marking a significant milestone for the state’s sporting fraternity. The final showdown witnessed an intense battle between Nagaland and Kerala, with the former emerging victorious with a scoreline of 2-1. This victory holds special significance as it marks Nagaland’s first major win in the event, despite the state’s consistent participation over the years.
In his remark, Kire heartily congratulated the team for bringing laurels to the state through their win.
The Nagaland Veteran Football Association was formed 13 years ago to provide a platform for the senior player and it has been organising its tournament every year except during the Covid-19 pandemic when it could not organise it, mentioned Kire. He observed that many veteran players were so committed in the game that even today they pay for their expenses to attend tournaments organised for veterans. “Some families could be facing financial issues because of such additional expenses, however, their commitment for the event always remains remarkable,” acknowledged Kire. Observing that the players had paid for their own expenses apart from spending money during their training and other unseen expenses, Kire expressed hope that the government will cover some of the expenses.
With football being a significant sports for Nagas, Kire noted that it remains the most important and loved game where people, irrespective of age continue to enjoy the game. He lauded the Nagaland team for making numerous sacrifices on top of bringing laurels to the state.
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“I really wish the sports department have some funds reserved for not only the Olympic disciplines but even other competitions like this masters games. Players from the state has been participating in the event since 2019 but at their own expenses,” stated Kire. Whether an event is recognised by the Olympic or not since the players had brought laurels to the state such players should be helped out by the government departments, added Kire.
Earlier sharing the greetings, K Neibou Sekhose, President, Nagaland Football Association and Executive member, All India Football Association, congratulated the players for bringing laurels to the state. He expressed his appreciation at the sacrifices and hard work the players and won the trophy. Sekhose also thanked those working behind the scene and also organising the felicitation programme in their honour.
The programme was chaired by Dziesevinuo Yhoshü Lam, Women Coordinator, KDFA while an invocation was pronounced by Thepfuzakie Suohu, Deacon, Nagabazar Baptist Church. The welcome address was delivered by Metekhrielie Mejura, Finance Secretary, KDFA and a special number presented by Neilaü Thaprü. The vote of thanks was proposed by Medolenuo Ambrocia Loucü, Press secretary, KDFA.
