Advisor Phom along with other officials and players during the closing ceremony of the inaugural Longleng District Football League on August 22. (DIPR Photo)
Longleng, August 24 (MExN): The inaugural Longleng District Football League concluded on August 22 with United Nyenching Club defeating Irenic FC 2-1 in the final.
MLA and Advisor for Airways and Railways A Pongshi Phom was the special guest at the closing ceremony organised by the Longleng District Football Association (LDFA).
Congratulating the finalists, Phom appreciated the LDFA president, organising team and planning committee for providing a platform for young footballers in the district.
He expressed hope that the tournament would help identify players for the 25th edition of the Dr T Ao Inter-District Football Championship 2026.
Phom said young people in Longleng had the talent and potential to make the district known as the “Footballer District” of Nagaland, drawing a comparison with Manipur’s reputation as a sports powerhouse.
He urged players and officials to promote fairness and reject bias, favouritism and other unfair practices in sports.
Phom said sports teach team spirit, unity, respect, patience, consistency, discipline, obedience and physical fitness, adding that sports were not merely about winning trophies but also about leading a healthy lifestyle.
Phom expressed gratitude to those who provided assistance during the recent disaster in Longleng caused by heavy rainfall, including Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the MLA and Advisor for NSDMA, Indian Air Force, Nagaland State Transport Department, district administration and police, PPC, Phomla Hoichem, PSC, Chamber of Commerce, village councils, welfare unions, NGOs, individuals and well-wishers.
He also thanked the public for their patience and cooperation during the difficult period and called for continued collective efforts to support the district.
Phom also informed that Nagaland United Sports Club was seeking to take a significant step into national football after reaching an agreement to acquire Aizawl Football Club’s Indian Football League (IFL) licence. Subject to approval by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Nagaland United is expected to play its home matches in Dimapur, he said.
The individual award winners of the tournament were P Bushing Phom of Laimeishem Club (Best Coach), Chingyang Y Phom of Ya-Ouh FC (Emerging Player), I Phongyei Phom of Irenic FC (Best Player and Golden Boot) and Y Baüang Phom (Best Goalkeeper).
LDFA president Pangnau Phom delivered the greetings, while T Chumoi Phom presented a special song.
The closing ceremony began with an invocation prayer by Executive Secretary, PBCA, N Tialemba Phom. LDFA vice-president H Pae Phom delivered the welcome address and assistant finance secretary S Chingnyei Phom proposed the vote of thanks.
