Kohima: The fourth edition of the much-awaited Kohima Super Cup organized by the Kohima Town Club (KTC) kicked off on Monday at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima after a two-year hiatus following the outbreak of COVID-19 epidemic.
Speaking as the chief guest at the opening ceremony, Senior Superintendent of Police (SP) Kohima, Kevithuto Sophie highlighted the sustainability of the sport in the state. Despite being an avid football fan, he said that football has not become a sustainable sport in the state due to deteriorating conditions as there is a dearth of firms that can help and invest in football. While players from the neighboring state of Manipur have produced professional players nationally and internationally, he said sports in Nagaland should not be a seasonal sport. He encouraged the players to take sports seriously as a profession and improve the quality of the players.
He encouraged KTC to identify the young players and approach the state government for support. In this regard, he said that the players of the state need an exhibition. He also promised to be a lifelong patron of the club in its quest to promote football and make it a sustainable sport in the state.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, the senior SP called for unity among all Naga tribes and further advocated for Naga youth to pursue a sustainable livelihood.
KTC President Dr. Viketoulie Pienyü said that the 40-member club was formed with the great goal of promoting football and making football a sustainable industry. Despite the challenges facing the football scene in Nagaland, he said that now the game needs to be elevated, for which it is necessary to take the game to the community level.
Starting with the family, he said that all citizens should join hands to build the economy of the football industry. He emphasized the need to build a strong fan base for football teams and the need for quality and disciplined football players