The 6th Inter-Ward Football Tournament in Mokokchung kicked off with great enthusiasm, bringing together 13 wards under the theme “Rise as One.” Organized by the Marepkong Youth Association, the tournament was inaugurated on March 25, 2025, with Vesupra Kezo NPS, Senior Superintendent of Police, Mokokchung, as the Guest of Honour.
In his address, Kezo paid tribute to the legendary Dr. T. Ao, India’s first Olympic football captain, ackno6wledging his lasting legacy in Indian football. He encouraged the young players to followthe footsteps of T. Ao’s discipline and dedication. Kezo also mentioned that 12 players from Mokokchung District are currently participating in the Nagaland Super League (NSL) and highlighted the renaming of the Indian Junior National Championship (U-19) in Gujarat after Dr. T. Ao.
Kezo emphasized the role of football in uniting communities and encouraged the establishment of football academies to nurture talent at the grassroots level. He also suggested naming stadiums and tournaments in Dr. T. Ao’s honor to further his legacy.
The tournament’s champions will receive rs 50,000, along with a trophy and certificate, while the runner-up will be awarded rs 30,000. The ceremonial oath was led by Takalong Pongen, President of the Marepkong Youth Association. A moment of tribute was observed for the late N. William Koso, a renowned football coach, who tragically passed away on March 25.
Town councillors, Ao Students’ Conference representatives, ward councils, and football enthusiasts attended the match. The welcome address was delivered by Talinungsang Longkumer, an executive member of the Marepkong Youth Association, while an exhortation was given by S. Imtichizüng Ozüküm, Chairman of Tongdentsüyong Ward, Mokokchung.
The first match was played between Artang and Yimyu, the second match between Penli and Mongsenbai, and the third match was played between Arkong and Majakong.
In the first match of the day, Artang secured a 3-0 victory over Yimyu. The game was closely contested in the first half, with Artang leading by a solitary goal at halftime. Chuba Imchen, wearing jersey number 17, stole the spotlight by scoring a hat-trick, netting goals in the 20th, 38th, and 55th minutes. Artang made a key substitution in the 59th minute bringing in Chubalemba for Tongpangnokdang while Yimyu also made multiple substitutions throughout the match, but they were unable to find the back of the net.
The second match saw Penli edge past Mongsenbai with a narrow 1-0 victory. Samuel, wearing jersey number 9, scored the decisive goal early in the 7th minute. Despite Mongsenbai’s efforts to equalize, Penli’s defense held firm.
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The final match of the day featured a tightly contested encounter between Arkong and Majakong, with Majakong emerging victorious with a 2-1 scoreline. Watitemsu (Jersey number 11) put Majakong ahead in the 9th minute, giving them an early lead. Arkong responded in the second half when Inovi (Jersey number 5) equalized in the 37th minute. However, Majakong quickly reclaimed their lead as Opangsunep (Jersey number 7) found the net in the 43rd minute. The match saw two yellow cards being issued, with Inovi of Arkong receiving a caution in the 48th minute, while Imkongnungkum of Majakong was booked in the 28th minute.
Day 2: Mokokchung Inter Ward Football Tournament 2025 – Match Results on March 26
The second day of the Mokokchung Inter Ward Football Tournament 2025 saw victories for Tongdentsuyong, Dilong, and Artang in their respective matches.
Match 1: Marepkong vs. Tongdentsuyong
Tongdentsuyong dominated the match, securing a 3-0 victory over Marepkong. Imtikumzuk of Tongdentsuyong scored a hat-trick, netting goals in the 11th, 26th, and 53rd minutes. Marepkong failed to convert any opportunities. Two players from Marepkong, Yimkumer and Tiawapang, received cautions, while Mulungmen from Tongdentsuyong was also cautioned.
Match 2: Lijaba Lijen vs. Dilong
Dilong clinched a 2-0 win against Lijaba Lijen. Takutoba scored the opening goal in the 18th minute, followed by Lipoknungsang adding another during added time (50+2 minutes). Despite several substitutions made by both teams, Lijaba Lijen was unable to capitalize on their chances.
Match 3: Artang vs. Penli
Artang edged past Penli with a 1-0 victory, thanks to Temjenwpang’s decisive goal in the 58th minute. Penli’s Imtitangit was shown a yellow card in the 42nd minute.
