Kohima, 15th November 2022: The profound impact of sports to bind youth remains well acknowledged and hence the significance of the Sixth Edition of Capt (Late) N Kenguruse, MVC (Posthumous) Memorial Football Tournament amongst football passionate youth of Nagaland. Considering this as a substratum theme, Kohima Battalion of Assam Rifles under the aegis of IGAR (North), in collaboration with Nagaland Football Association organised the Opening Ceremony of the 6th Edition of Capt (Late) N Kenguruse, MVC (P) Memorial Football Tournament at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, Nagaland on 15 Nov 2022. The tournament is organised annually by Assam Rifles on behalf of Spear Corps in memory of the immortal braveheart of Nagaland who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty during Op Vijay and to celebrate the sportsman spirit of Nagas.
Maj Gen Vikas Lakhera, SM, IG AR (N), was the Chief Guest on the occasion. The event was graced with the presence of (Mr and Mrs) Neiselie Kenguruse, the proud parents, Subedar (Hony Capt) Imliakum Ao, MVC (Retired) of NAGA Regiment; Kevingutuo Sekhose, Head of Referees; Medo Yhokha, MLA, Southern Angami Constituency, KN Sekhose, former APO President, representatives of Angami Youth Organization and Angami Student Organization.
18 teams from different districts of the state are participating in the nine-day long tournament from 15 November to 23 November 2022.
The Winners’ Trophy and Runners-Up Trophy were unveiled during the ceremony. The winning team would be awarded a cash prize of Rs Two Lakh, along with the Rolling Trophy.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest recalled the heroic act of Capt (Late) N Kenguruse, MVC (P), who made supreme sacrifice on the icy heights of Drass during Op Vijay in 1999. He thanked Mr and Mrs Kangurese for gracing the event. He also expressed his gratitude to Subedar (Honorary Captain) Imli Akum Ao who was awarded MVC for his exceptional gallantry and courage in the Kargil Conflict. He asserted that during a short span of eight years, the tournament has become a showcase sporting event for Nagaland as evidenced by its popularity and thanked Nagaland Football Association for collaborating with Assam Rifles for the conduct of this tournament. He further conveyed his best wishes to the participating teams. Neiselie Kenguruse, father of Capt N Kenguruse while addressing the gathering and expressed his gratitude toward Assam Rifles for organising the grand event in honour of his son. The ceremony witnessed the melodious musical interludes performed by the Assam Rifles Band, children from Bright Morning Star Children Home & Kohima Orphanage and Destitute Home.
Tehok FC (Mon), the defending champion, beat Aphuyemi FC (Zunheboto) in an exciting opening match.