Kohima: The 4th edition of the highly anticipated Kohima Super Cup, hosted by the Kohima Town Club (KTC), kicked off Monday at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima after a two-year hiatus following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the inaugural ceremony as a special guest, Senior Superintendent of Police (SP) Kohima, Kevithuto Sophie, emphasized the sustainability of the sport in the state. Despite being avid football fans, he said that football has not become a sustainable sport in the state due to a flaw in the circumstances as there is a lack of companies that can support and invest in football.
Although athletes from neighboring Manipur state have produced professional players at the national and international level, he said sports in Nagaland should not remain a seasonal sport. He encouraged athletes to take sports seriously as a profession and raise the level of players.
He also encouraged the KTC to identify young players and approach the state government for support. In this regard, he said state athletes need exposure. He also assured himself of being a lifelong patron of the club, striving to promote football and make it a sustainable sport in the state.
Seizing the opportunity, the senior SP also called for unity among all Naga tribes and further advocated for Naga youth to practice sustainable livelihood.
KTC President Dr. Viketoulie Pienyü informed that the club, consisting of about 40 members, was founded with the noble intention of promoting football and also making football a sustainable industry. Despite the challenges in the football scenario in Nagaland, he said there is now a need to elevate the sport that requires the sport to be brought to the community level.
Starting with the family, he said that all citizens should join forces to build an economy for the football industry. He insisted on the need for football teams to build a strong fan base, while also encouraging the need for quality and disciplined football players.
In the first game between New Market FC and club Crimsoune, the first won 10-1. On Tuesday, A Yhome FC will face United Brothers FC in the first game at 11:30 AM, while Barack FC will face Wolves XI in the second game to be played at 1:30 PM.
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