The 12th edition of the Nagaland Veterans’ Football tournament concluded on the 14th of February, 2025 in a remarkable way at Mhainamtsi football ground. The Tournament was hosted by Peren District Veterans’ Football Association (PDVFA) under the aegis of Nagaland Veterans’ Football Association (NVFA) from 11th-14th Feb.2025.
Speaking on the occasion as the Guest of Honor, Dr. Tumda Newme, General Secretary of Tenyimi Union Nagaland stressed that it is the need of the hour for the preservation of our culture, tradition and distinct ways of life, but we the Nagas have subconsciously imbibed tribalism to a level where our own tribe’s interest has overshadowed the common interest of the Nagas. If not checked by building consciousness about the negative impact of tribalism from now on, a day will come when Nagaland will become ungovernable by any Government. Therefore, he appealed to NVFA as an independent organization having no tribal interest to take the lead in spreading the message and awareness of tribalism in the Naga society.
The program began with an invocation prayer pronounced by Ilanggwangbe, Pastor MBC while Icamceube compere the program. Kenlumyile entertained the crowd with a special melody and later Dr. Hedungkiebe, Peren District Representative to NVFA pronounced the vote of thanks.
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The event also featured a special appearance of Dr. N. Nicky Kire the then Advisor for Urban Development & Municipal Affairs on both the inaugural and the closing functions, besides the participation of many officers from various districts as players and Managers. All together 6 districts participated in the tournament viz: Kohima, Dimapur, Niuland, Peren, Mokokchung and Mon. In the final match Kohima defeated Dimapur by 2-0, and emerged as the Champion of the tournament walking way with the Championship Trophy and a cash prize of Rs. 50000/-, while Dimapur received the runners up Trophy and a cash prize of Rs. 30000/- followed by Peren with Rs. 15000/- as the lone qualified semi-finalist.
The Organizing Committee expressed its sincere gratitude to all individuals, groups & organizations who supported the event financially, materially and physically making the tournament a grand success. The organizing committee extended special thanks to TR Zeliang, Dy. CM; S Keoshu Yimkhiung, Advisor for YRS; Namri Nchang, MLA; Masangum Hiekha PRO to Dy. C.M; Johnny Ruangmei, OSD to NSDMA; Dr. Tumda Newme, Gen. Secy. Tenyimi Union Nagaland; Ziudi Thou, Chairman Mhainamtsi VC and Pausuina Herie.
