Rokonicha Champions Trophy underway in Chümoukedima

Chümoukedima, July 27 (MExN): The second edition of the CDFA League-II-cum-Rokonicha Champions Trophy commenced at Chümoukedima on Saturday, with Advisor for Youth Resources and Sports S Keoshu Yimchunger calling for year-round training and sustained support for young footballers.

Addressing the inaugural programme as the special guest, Yimchunger said talented players have the potential to represent Nagaland at the national and international levels if they receive proper guidance and opportunities.

He urged the organisers and community leaders not to confine the tournament to the football season but to continue training young players throughout the year and provide them with platforms to develop their skills.

The advisor also encouraged the organisers to identify and nurture promising players during the tournament so they could go on to represent the state in higher-level competitions.

He said the Department of Youth Resources and Sports annually identifies talented young athletes, sponsors scholarships for them and provides opportunities to play for different clubs. He appealed to the Chümoukedima District Football Association (CDFA) to work closely with the department for the overall development of young footballers.

The inaugural programme was chaired by CDFA vice-president Visako Rino, while the invocation was delivered by Mhasivizo Pucho of Town Baptist Church, Chümoukedima. The keynote address was delivered by CDFA president Sedevikho Angami.

The programme also featured a musical presentation by Neisenuo Shüya, ambassador of Euphony School of Music, Chümoukedima.

Megozelhou Kuotsu, eldest son of late Rokonicha, delivered a message on behalf of the family, while Nagaland Football Association president K Neibou Sekhose extended greetings to the gathering.

The tournament, themed “One Chümoukedima”, will feature six teams from across the district.