Finalists with dignitaries during 12th Pochury Black Day Memorial Cup 2026 at Meluri on September 24.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | September 25
Meluri Town FC lifted the championship title of the 12th Pochury Black Day Memorial Cup 2026, defeating Thuda FC 2-1 in the final at Meluri on September 24.
Kevi Kin and Asie Ngouri scored a goal each for Meluri Town FC, while Yithachu scored the lone goal for Thuda FC.
Meluri Town FC received a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh along with the trophy and certificate, while runners-up Thuda FC received Rs 70,000.
The losing semi-finalists, Khumiasü FC and Crystal FC, received Rs 30,000 each.
Meluri Deputy Commissioner Phuleshe K Yephomi attended the closing ceremony and presented the prizes to the winners.
Lunulemba Longchar, president, AKM, and Wakhanlo Semy, president, Rengma Students’ Union, delivered solidarity messages at the closing ceremony.
The programme was chaired by Pochury Students’ Union (PSU) Deputy Speaker Chutatu, while PSU Assistant Games and Sports Secretary H Pongtsa Perry led the acknowledgement of the dignitaries.
The champion prize was sponsored by Business Union Meluri Town, while the runners-up prize was sponsored by Nyurhosie Pfithu, Lieutenant Colonel, NSCN-GPRN. The semi-finalists’ prizes were sponsored by Business Union Meluri Town and Razou Rülho, Project Coordinator, KKB Rülho Pvt Ltd.
The individual awards were sponsored by Anthony Ngouri, Manager, SBI Kohima; NASA Enterprise, Meluri Village; Thorhosie Kajiri, CDPO, Meluri; Ex-Servicemen Pochury; and Sweet Essence, Dimapur.
The tournament commenced on September 15 and was attended at its opening by MLA Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, Advisor, Science & Technology, Government of Nagaland, as the special guest.
A total of 15 teams participated in the tournament, which was organised by the Pochury Students’ Union in honour of its forefathers who made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of the Naga nation.
PSU president Rongley Leyri thanked all individuals who contributed to and supported the successful conduct of the tournament.
The individual awards were:
• Best Defender: Hanza (Crystal FC)
• Most Promising Player: Ajikuo (Meluri Town FC)
• Best Goalkeeper: Thsüjupa (Meluri Town FC)
• Player of the Tournament: Avijisie (Meluri Town FC)
• Highest Scorer: Kevi Kin (Meluri Town FC)
