The coveted Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) Trophy 2022 commenced on 11 October at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung.

Aotula T Imchen IPS, Superintendent of Police Mokokchung graced the inaugural program as the Chief Match Patron.

During her speech, Imchen congratulated the MDFA led by the president and the organizing committee led by the convenor for successfully hosting the tournament and appreciated their tireless efforts.

The SP said the recently concluded Dr T Ao Trophy which had been organized and hosted by the MDFA was appreciated and applauded by people from across Nagaland and outside. This has raised the level of the Trophy to another pedestal, she noted.

Referring to the MDFA Trophy as one of the prestigious tournaments for Mokokchung District, Imchen encouraged all to increase from the level of grassroots participation and strive to reach the state, national and international level.

“We all know football is not just a beautiful game but it is also an emotion for many people. And it should be of collective desire of all that there is unity through sports,” she said, adding that sport is the medium through which relationship and friendship are developed, allowing us to strive forward and compete hard with the spirit of sportsmanship in our hearts and minds.

Sport is the medium through which relationship and friendship are developed – Aotula T Imchen, SP Mokokchung.

Imchen further said not everyone is meant to excel in studies and likewise in sports, and thus platforms such as this are needed for one to be aware of their talents and gifts

She also mentioned that the state government under the initiative and leadership of Nagaland DGP T John Longkumer has also recently inaugurated the sports battalion which will encourage many young talents and give them avenues to excel in life.

Earlier, DC Mokokchung and president of District Sports Council, Shashank Pratap Singh IAS gave the keynote address while the convenor, L Yanger Ltr, a brief greeting. The tournament secretary, Imnayanger, presided over the Oath taking.

SP Mokokchung Aotula T Imchen, DC Mokokchung Shashank Pratap Singh and organisers greeting players before the inaugural match.

The inaugural match of the tournament was played between Sports Society Suyim (SSS) and Revenant FC which ended with a 1-1 draw.

SSS broke the ice at the 34th minute of the first half with Suyimmayang scoring the goal for the team. It was at the 58th minute that Talijungba gave the equalizer for Revenant FC leading the teams to go home with a point apiece.