Opening Ceremony of MDFA TROPHY 2023 under the theme “Empower Through Football” got underway today at IMKONGMEREN SPORTS COMPLEX, MOKOKCHUNG with BENEI M. LAMTHIU, MLA, Nagaland Legislative Assembly & General Secretary Nagaland Football Association (NFA) as the Inaugural Guest.
The 15 days Tournament will witness 14 teams vying for the coveted Trophy.
During his speech at the tournament, Benei M Lamthiu, the Inaugural Guest, MLA, and General Secretary of Nagaland Football Association (NFA), conveyed greetings from the State Government of Nagaland and the NFA. He highlighted the global significance of Sports, emphasizing that the most-watched and beloved game is Football known as the “Beautiful Game,” which boasts over a billion followers.
Lamthiu commended the organizing committee for providing equal opportunities to young talents, recognizing the scarcity of individuals willing to uplift the younger generation. He expressed hope that the 14 competing teams would utilize this prestigious platform to advance football as a profession.
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Acknowledging Nagaland’s dependency and lack of resources, the MLA encouraged the players not to be discouraged, as the NFA, with the support of all 16 districts, public and the players is working to enhance football and infrastructure. He revealed that a proposal for a State Football League is in progress. He said that the sport offers career opportunities beyond playing, such as sports management, journalism, and sports anchoring.
Lamthiu urged the players to be determined in their pursuits of a sports career, emphasizing that “Sports can take you to places.” He regarded sports as a unifying force, capable of building society through sports and education, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance between the two.
The MLA also addressed rumours of some player suspensions by the Nagaland Football Association (NFA) assuring that a disciplinary committee had been established to resolve the issue within the week, with updates which will be shared through social and print media.
To the players, he stressed that football reveals one’s character and the importance of discipline, hard work, unity, team spirit, and respecting the field as a temple, all of which would lead them to higher levels of success. Lamthiu encouraged the players to incorporate the true spirit of sportsmanship as the champions of the tournament.
The first match of MDFA Trophy 2023 was played between Konyak Students Union Mokokchung (KSUM) and Sports Society Soyim (SSS), with a final score of 4-2 in favor of Konyak Students Union, Mokokchung.
KSUM’s Khampei (J/No. 11) opened the scoring for the tournament in the 35th minute against Sports Society Soyim. Kapzei T (J/No. 7) doubled the lead in the 39th minute. At halftime, KSUM led 2-0. SSS’s Shiponglepba (J/No. 8) scored a goal for their team in the 48th minute. Khampei added the third goal for KSUM in the 60th minute, and Kapzei T scored the fourth goal in the 76th minute. SSS’s Shilumayang (J/No. 10) found the net for the second goal in the 86th minute.
In the first match on Wednesday, last year’s runner-up, MOANUNGSANG MSC, will face DARE DEVILS (AR), while in the second match, ARAKA UNITED will take on the defending champions, TELONGJEM FC.
State renowned singer, Sunep Lemtur was the headliner of the inaugural ceremony with Lenen Jamir performing a special number. Wati Jamir, Convenor, Organising Committee delivered the welcome address.
