Officials with players of the first match between Livingstone HSS Dimapur and GHSS Hakushang, Tuensang on July 14. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 14
A state level Pre-Subroto Tournament U-17 (Girls) under the aegis of the Department of Youth Resources & Sports, Nagaland, kicked start today at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima with the participation of seven teams from different parts of the state.
The participating teams included; Livingstone Higher Secondary School Dimapur, Government Higher Secondary School Hakushang, Tuensang, PM Shree GHS Meriema, Kohima, Cornerstone Higher Secondary School Zunheboto, Government High School Molvom, Chumoukedima, Government High School Noklak village and Government Middle School Imrong, Mokokchung.
The tournament was formally declared open by Anthony Ngullie, IAS, Secretary, Department of Youth Resources & Sports, Govt of Nagaland.
In his address, Ngullie informed that the department has been conducting series of tournaments in different disciplines to groom young talents.
He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his last month “Mann Ki Baat programme” has recognized the grassroots football initiative in Nagaland, with special mention on Nagaland Baby League and Nagaland Women Futsal League in promoting football.
In this, Ngullie called upon the department to continue to give their best effort to build the youngsters.
He also thanked Nagaland Football Association (NFA) for supporting the department in all its endeavour.
About Subroto Cup
Jakedovo Chase, Joint Director, Department of Youth Resources & Sports said that Subroto Cup, which held annually, is one of Asia’s oldest Inter School Football Tournament.
It was instituted in 1960 under the aegis of Indian Air Force.
The idea of the competition was conceptualized in 1958 by Air Marshall Subroto Mukherjee, the India’s first Chief of Air Staff, who was a passionate football enthusiast.
Following his sudden death in 1960, the tournament kicked starts in his honor with the support of the then Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru with just 50 teams.
The tournament was renamed as Subroto International Football Tournament in 2001 whereon many schools from foreign countries takes part in this prestigious tournament every year.
So far, Nagaland had a remarkable performance in this Cup winning a number of times, he said.
“This year, the Government and the Department had opted to take part in two categories i.e Under 17 years for both Boys and Girls,” Chase said.
For the qualifying round, the 17 districts were divided into 4 Zones where the best two teams from both the sections qualified for the state level tournament.
The winning team in both the Boys and the Girls category will represent Nagaland state in the final leg of this year’s 65th edition of Subroto Mukherjee International Football Tournament to be held from August l8 to September 25 at New Delhi.
Khriehutuo Tsira, senior state sports coach, Department of Youth Resources & Sports said that this tournament is not just about winning matches but display of talents, building character, skill and true spirit of sportsmanship.
He hoped that the players will give their best and proudly represent the state in the forthcoming Subroto International Football Tournament.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Kethosituo Sekhose, Director, Department of Youth Resources & Sports, Nagaland.
Naroenla, Youth Resources & Sports Officer administered oath to the participating teams.
Earlier Vikhoto Zao, Associate Pastor PCRC invoked God’s blessings and while Neila Thaprii presented a special number. NFA President K Neibou Sekhose also present at the inaugural programme.
The tournament will continue till July 16.
Day 1 results
1st Match: Livingstone HSS Dimapur (0)- GHSS Hakushang, Tuensang (0)
2nd Match: PM Shree GHS Meriema (7)-Cornerstone HSS Zunheboto (0)
3rd Match: Government High School Noklak (4)- GHS Molvom (0)
4th Match: PM Shree GHS Meriema (7)- Livingstone HSS Dimapur (0)
5th Match: GHSS Hakushang, Tuensang (1)- Cornerstone HSS Zunheboto(0)
6th Match: Government Middle School Imrong (2)- GHS Molvom (1)
