Officials and players of WDFA pose for a photo during the launch of the Wokha district football team, jersey and the association’s anthem at Lotha Hoho Ki in Wokha on October 9.
Morung Express News
Wokha | October 9
The Wokha District Football Association (WDFA) on Friday launched the Wokha district football team, its official jersey and the association’s anthem at Lotha Hoho Ki in Wokha, ahead of the Dr T Ao Inter-District Football Tournament.
Y Mhonbemo Humtsoe, MLA, Nagaland, attended the programme as the special guest. The event was organised by the WDFA and hosted by the Lotha Hoho.
Addressing the gathering, Humtsoe highlighted the significance of the team jersey and its numbers, saying they symbolised identity, pride and belonging beyond their association with players on the field.
He said wearing the district jersey carried a sense of responsibility, as each player represented not only himself but also the people and community of Wokha. He urged the players to uphold discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the tournament, adding that success in football required dedication, unity and mutual respect.
Humtsoe also stressed the importance of nurturing local sporting talent and providing young players with opportunities to showcase their abilities. He expressed hope that the team would give its best and bring pride to the district.
Deputy Commissioner of Wokha K Mhathung Tsanglao said representing the district in the tournament was a blessing and an opportunity for the players to bring pride to their community.
He encouraged them to make the most of the platform, stressing that their performance would reflect not only their individual abilities but also the spirit and unity of Wokha. WDFA president N Samuel Ezung said the association had conducted player trials and selected 22 players for the district team. The team had undergone more than 20 days of conditioning in preparation for the tournament, he said.
Ezung also expressed enthusiasm over the team’s participation, saying the association was looking forward to the competition.
The team will be coached by Vizoru Peseyie, an AFC C Licence holder.
The programme was also attended by P Yanbemo Humtsoe, retired state coach of the Department of Youth Resources and Sports (YRS) and vice-chairman of the Dimapur Lotha Hoho, and Y Yambemo Ezung, retired deputy superintendent of police and the first Lotha international football player.
Both dignitaries encouraged the players to make the most of the opportunity to represent Wokha at the district level. Emphasising the value of experience and perseverance in sports, they urged the team to remain focused, play with confidence and uphold the dignity of the district throughout the tournament.
The programme began with an invocation by Limhathung Patton, catechist of St Paul’s Church, Wokha Town, followed by a welcome address by Ezung. Yentsao Ezung, pastor of Longsa Baptist Church, offered a dedication prayer for the players, official jersey and WDFA anthem.
The special guest launched the official jersey and anthem. The programme also featured a special number by Lochumbeni K Kikon and was chaired by Amos T Odyuo, treasurer of the WDFA committee for the Dr T Ao tournament. Er Mhondamo Ovung, chairman of the Lotha Hoho, also delivered a short speech.
The programme concluded with a benediction by Benathung Mozhui, associate youth director of the Wokha Baptist Church.
In a friendly match between the WDFA and the Tseminyu District Football Association, Wokha defeated Tseminyu 5-0.
