Assam Rifles, in collaboration with the Nagaland Football Association (NFA) and under the aegis of Operation Sadbhavana, Spear Corps, organised the poster and theme song release ceremony of the 9th edition of the Captain N Kengurüse, MVC Memorial Football Tournament at Kohima Science College, Jotsoma, on Monday.

The memorial tournament is being organised by the 45 Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ 6 Sector Assam Rifles/IGAR (North), in collaboration with NFA. The matches will be held from October 22 to November 6 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.

Advisor to Chief Minister and Chairman, IDAN, Abu Metha, speaking on the occasion, conveyed greetings from Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio to the gathering and expressed his gratitude to the Assam Rifles for organising the Captain N Kengurüse Memorial Football Tournament. He said it was a privilege to participate in a programme that honours the memory of a “legendary figure”.

Referring to the brave and courageous act of late Captain N Kengurüse, Metha said his courage and contributions are well recorded, yet what stands out is that he remains a “legendary figure” among Nagaland’s great personalities.

“To be clubbed amongst legendary figures like the first  Chief of Nagaland P Shilu Ao, first Olympian, Dr Tali Ao  Olympian Chekrovolu, Paralympic medalist, Hotozhe Sema, and some of the great figures of Naga Society, he stands as tall as them as far as contribution to India’s nation building processes is concerned,” he noted .

Metha said Captain Kengurüse was one of India’s nation builders, who gave his everything and made a supreme sacrifice, protecting the borders, fighting for flag and the country.

“It is people like Captain Kengurüse who stand guard, protect the nation, who stay awake at night so that you and I, citizens of India, can sleep safe,” Metha said and thanked not only him but also the Armed Forces for keeping the nation safe.

He also thanked that Assam Rifles and the Armed Forces for taking the initiative of organizing Captain Kengurüse Memorial Football tournament.

Metha also stressed the power of sport to unify people beyond barriers of language, culture or background.

He said to uphold the name of a legendary figure and a Maha Vir Chakra recipient through the platform of sports, particularly, football, the tournament is great platform

He also congratulated the Army for using this platform to bring people together, recognize excellence, success and to give an opportunity for young footballers from Nagaland to strive towards their dreams and aspirations.

“The Indian Army, the Assam Rifles, friends of the hill people, are doing commendable work in this area. I’m excited to be unveiling the poster and soong. I hope that the entire sports fraternity and larger Naga community will come forward and participate in various forms of this tournament, give support to this aspiration and make it bigger and more successful in the years to come,” he cited .

Metha also appealed the armed forces, the Assam rifles, to continue to do the commendable work that you are doing.

The advisor also said that Naga society has gone through much pain, troubles and difficulties. He said that the Nagas have a history of insurgency, a history of political turmoil, and are yet to reach the destination of true peace and just honour.

“Today, our society needs a better partnership between the civil and military, collaboration between the armed forces, the uniform services, and all sections of Naga Society. Together, we have to collaborate to work towards peace. Together, we have to partner so that we achieve progress and development. If all sections work together as one, I am sure we will reach our destination of true peace sooner than later,” he maintained.­

Taking the opportunity of reaching out to the students’ fraternity, Metha also highlighted that Science College has produced so many figures and contributed to Nagaland’s journey. He maintained that Science College has played a key part in the journey of the Naga people.

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“You have given Nagaland some of its best personalities, the bureaucrats, engineers, sportspersons , architects, social leaders, tribal leaders. So many people have emerged from this institution to lead Naga society and take another land forward. Each and every one of you down here and your friends who are not attending today must know that you are here for a purpose. You are here, not only to strive towards your academy dreams and aspirations, but also towards to arm yourself with education, so that you will contribute towards the progress of Nagaland,” he noted .

He also encouraged the students present to work hard citing that the journey to success, and excellence, there is only one way, and there is hard work.

MLA, Dr Ato, who attended as special guest, said the event was not only about launching a tournament but about remembering a “son of Nagaland who became a legend of India.” He recalled that Captain Kengurüse made the ultimate sacrifice during the Kargil War, displaying extraordinary courage and love for the nation and his legacy continues to shine as a symbol of bravery, humility and selfless service.

Through this football tournament, he said, “We are keeping his spirit alive – reminding youth that true victory is not measured only by medals or trophies, but by the character build and the values upholder.” He said that each match, cheer, and goal scored will carry a message of unity and resilience that Captain Kengurüse stood for.

Dr. Ato further highlighted that sport especially football, has a language of its own – a language that speaks of teamwork, discipline and fair play. It teaches that no matter where we come from or what background we have, we can stand together on the same field and chase a common dream.

This, he said is the true essence of the Captain N Kengurüse Memorial Football Tournament – to unite, to inspire and to grow together as one community.

The MLA also acknowledged the tremendous efforts of the Assam Rifles, the Nagaland Football Association and all partners who have made this event possible. He mentioned that their work not only honours the memory of a brave soldier but also builds a bridge between the armed forces and the people they serve.

To the students, NCC cadets, and officer trainees present, Dr Ato said that this tournament is more than a sporting event. It is a classroom of life.

“You will learn teamwork, patience, courage and above all, respect – respect for your teammates, your opponents and for the game itself. These lessons will guide you long after the final whistle is blown,” he noted .

As someone who believes deeply in the power of youth and sport, Dr Ato said that he sees great promise in this initiative. He mentioned that events like this give young people a reason to dream, to stay active and to contribute positively to our society. He also hoped that many will draw strength from Captain Kengurüse’s example and use it to pursue excellence in whatever field you choose.

Brigadier SK Palande, Deputy Inspector General, IGAR (North), recounting the action of Captain Kengurüse during the Kargil war highlighted that this action took place was at 16,000 feet, roughly 500 meters. He said that a normal person, even if physically fit is young, has difficulty breathing.

So this man (Captain Kengurüse), he said, during that altitude, taking his men along, inspiring them, doing the improbable climbing a cliff, teaches all of team spirit.

The DIG said,  “We expect, the teams who will be involved in this tournament to give their best, and give a fantastic tournament,” and added, “it is very important for us to take pride in family, in community, wherever we come from and whatever you do.”

“Have Pride in our state, in our nation, and continue the passion, with whatever big or small,” he cited.

The game has got an amazing passion, he said adding, that it is the most amazing game.

“It builds the best of you, so I hope it continues to bring out a passion, which is there amongst the players, the youth who are going to see this, but do anything ahead of that. We have to have perseverance to continue, keep focus, and to achieve the impossible,” he noted .

Neiselie Kengurüse, father of Late Captain Kengurüse also in his speech acknowledged the 45 AR for collaboration with NFA in organizing this tournament and the Army for financing this tournament. He also mentioned that in Nagaland the oldest college, Kohima Science College is a blessing for the Nagas. He added that from this prestigious college many bureaucrats have been established for the wellbeing of the Nagas.

“Every year the principal of Science College Jotsoma has kept the tournament in his mind. He has given us opportunity to hold programs in this campus and for that I am deeply grateful,” he noted.

Neiselie Kengurüse further said that Late Captain Kengurüse is not only his son but he is a son to the Nagas .

He mentioned that it is Late Captain Kengurüse’s sacrifice and works that has been keeping him strong.

Recounting Late Captain Kengurüse’s struggle during the war, his father said that he was brave till the end because he wanted to save our country. He said that it is his will that made him to fight till his end and this decision makes him proud today. He also requested everyone to take the opportunity of this tournament, to support each other and unite through the game. He also hoped that this tournament will bring together the Nagas as one.

The event started with arrival of chief guest and showcasing video of the life of Captain Kengurüse, MVC which after the unveiling of the Official Mascot – “The Mithun Warrior” symbolising strength, unity and resilience. The proud parents of Capt N Kengurüse, MVC, along with dignitaries from the Nagaland Football Association, event partners and cultural icons of Nagaland were felicitated for their contributions. The theme song was also released during the event composed by The “Chaturth Pancham” Jazz Band of 45 Assam Rifles, capturing the spirit of pride, passion and perseverance that defines the tournament.