For children 1st Grassroot football tournament begins in Nagaland

KOHIMA: The first Grassroot Football Tournament (GFT) in Nagaland for children in three categories, including U-10, U-13 and U-15, started on Wednesday at the IG Stadium in Kohima, organized by Kohima District Football. Association (KDFA) under the aegis of Nagaland Football Association (NFA).
The tournament brought together young players from across the state to compete in the game. The three-day tournament will conclude on Thursday with the ‘Grassroots Day’ which falls on June 23, initiated by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
A total of 30 teams are participating in the ongoing tournament in three categories including 15 teams for U-15 (7 A side), 11 teams for U-13 (5 A side) and four teams for U-10 (5). mixed gender on the one hand).
Director of Youth Resources and Sports Kethosituo Sekhose, who attended the inauguration, appreciated the initiative. He stressed the importance of teaching and preparing young players to grow up to be better players.

He hoped that the young players would one day progress to represent the state and the country in football.
The sports officer shared that KDFA has taken the right steps in building players from the grass root level to improve the quality of sports in the state.

He observed that this event will become a moment in history for the sportsmen of Nagaland. He also encouraged the young players to play in true sportsmanship.
Earlier, KDFA president M Matthew Yhome said that the AIFF had envisioned such an event targeting the Olympics. He revealed that the NFA is also extending its full support to the event.
The opening ceremony was presided over by KDFA Executive Member, Pudil Tsükrü, the invitation was announced by CRC Pezielietsie, Pastor, Letuolie Pienyü.
A special number was performed by Keneisenuo (Amenda) Sorhie.
Sponsors of the tournament include cash prize for U-10 by Kohima Hotel & Restaurant Union, cash prize for U-13 by Gem Paint Station Merhülietsa Kohima, U-15 by Fish Dealers Kohima, tournament by Global Sports Kohima. Includes trophies and tournament balls from Sports. Paradise Kohima.
On Wednesday, Khelo India Center IGS Kohima emerged victorious in the Under-10 category by defeating Children’s Club in the final match by a tie-breaker.

While in the Under-13 category, Sechü Zubza FC defeated Ignite Junior Phesama (6-2) in the first semi-final match and Khelo India Centre, Greenwood School Dimapur defeated Newmarket FC Academy (6-0) in the second semi-final match.
In the lead-up to the semi-finals of Group-A, Sechü Zubza beat Elite FC Kohima and T.Khel Warriors while Ignite Junior Phesama beat G-Rio School Kohima who had earlier defeated Young Kickers.
In Group B, KIC Greenwood School Dimapur defeated AU Home FC Junior and KICIGS Kohima, while Newmarket FC Academy defeated challenger club Chiephobozou Town.

The final match of the U-13 category will be played between Sechü Zubza FC and KIC Greenwood School Dimapur on June 23.
The matches of U-15 categories will start from 8:30 AM on the second day of the tournament.