The first-ever Frontier Trophy football tournament, organized by the Khiamniungan Students’ Union under the theme “Fight Against Drugs,” successfully concluded on May 15 at Noklak Local Ground. Commencing on May 5, the tournament featured 10 teams showing a strong sportsmanship spirit. The trophy was the first tournament in Noklak with a licensed coach and the participation of five under-20 players.
Runners up team: Rising Ballers
In a interesting meet up, the final match was played between Minimum Wagers and Rising Ballers who had earlier played in the opening ceremony of the trophy. The match was concluded with hard-fought battle that kept the spectators on the edge of the seat. The Minimum Wagers once again defeated the Rising Baller in the final match. In a tough neck to neck fight between the two teams, Tangsoi (21) of Minimum Wagers managed to secure the first goal during the first half of the match.
In the second half of the match, Thangpong, (16) of Rising Baller managed to secure the most awaited goal, while Tangsoi of Minimum Wagers once again scored the goal and in a nail biting moment, Methiu (77) scored the goal bringing victory to the team few minutes before the final whistle.
As the First Edition of the Frontier Trophy concluded, outstanding individual performances were recognized with the following awards:
Golden Glove: Bem (Jersey 47) of Rising Baller
Golden Boot: Lamshong (Jersey 7) of Haimei Society Tsuwao
Golden Ball: Methiu (Jersey 77) of Minimum Wagers
Most Promising Player: Payio (Jersey 17) of Nokhu Students’ Union.
Closing guest of the trophy, MLA Benei M Lamthiu in his address congratulated the KSU for coming up with the Trophy which is very essential for the district. He said that by organising such trophy, young footballers are given the right platform towards their next level of careers. The MLA also expressed belief that the organizers have chosen the right theme ‘Fight Against Drugs’ , to which he said that it is something which has lingered in his mind and have also voiced out the menace of society.
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The MLA further stressed on the ill effects of drugs which will draw a generational gap. Noklak being still a young district, and for it to grow and prosper, Lamthiu said that human resources are essential. He pointed out that when the youth — the future of tomorrow — are destroyed by the menace of drugs, society loses its most vital resource. He urged the two finalist teams, comprising 22 players, to become ambassadors in the fight against drugs.
He stressed the importance of setting an example for the younger generation and teaching them the value of living without drug dependency. He further stated that education must be used as a weapon to fight this issue and emphasized that it should begin with teachers. He also urged the the parents to play the role of erasing drug abuse fright from the kitchen. He strongly urged the youngsters to take education and sports seriously.
Emphasizing that not all youths in the state can be accommodated in government servic, he informed that the government under Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s leadership have decided to take sports as a means of creating employment opportunities for the youth of Nagaland. He explained that this vision led to the launch of the first edition of the Nagaland Super League (NSL).
The MLA appealed the people to believe in the government’s efforts in the work progress, and in the abilities of the young players who represented their people in various platforms.
Wishing the two finalist teams the very best for the Frontier Trophy, he reminded them that football doesn’t teach manners—it reveals character. “The world is watching, Nagaland Is watching, football is watching,” he remarked. Lamthiu Informed that any football tournament held should be organized with the knowledge of the District Football Association and the Nagaland Football Association.
President of Football Association Noklak District, Okei in his short speech encouraged the players who have been selected for the prestigious Dr T Ao trophy to proudly represented the district.
He also extended his appreciation to MLA Benei M Lamthiu who is also the General Secretary of Nagaland Football Association and the governing body of Super League under whose chairmanship, the Nagaland Super League was concluded where some of the players from the district also participated in the League.
