Western Sumi Sports Association 11 vs United Sikkim FC exhibition match held

Our Reporter
Dimapur, March 11 (EMN): The much-anticipated exhibition match between Western Sumi Sports Association (WSSA) 11 and United Sikkim FC ended in a draw (2-2) at DDSC stadium on Thursday.

The event was organised by WSSA on the theme ‘Match for a cause’, featuring former captain of the Indian national football team, an Arjuna Award winner and Padma Shri recipient, Bhaichung Bhutia, and former captain of the Indian national football team, Renedy Singh in solidarity and support for football at the grassroots-level in the state. 

Speaking at the opening ceremony, advisor for Power department, Tovihoto H Ayemi congratulated WSSA for organising the friendly match, which will define the task the association aims to undertake with support from Bhaichung Bhutia and Renedy Singh for development of football in Nagaland.

He also appreciated the two former captains of India for having concern for Nagaland and coming forward to render their valuable support to train the budding talents of the state.

Ayemi said that football is the world’s most popular game and over the years, the sport has brought together people from all walks of life, regardless of their age, gender or ethnicity, to inspire and unite everyone.

‘Even today, football has brought us together, the sister states of north-eastern region in the age-old spirit of brotherhood in unity for a cause’, he said.

Ayemi stated that sustainable development not only needs good political governance but also need platforms such as this to bring together people for a common goal.

He asserted that the training of the young boys and girls to be professional players would impact the society in multi-dimensional ways and hoped that this joint effort will produce footballers like late Dr. T Ao, the legendary Naga football player, the likes of Bhaichung, Renedy and many others, who have made the region and the nation proud through the sport.

Hekani Jakhalu Kense, the founder and chairwoman of YouthNet in her opening remarks stated that the match aimed to create a corpus fund, which will identify and train 11 football coaches, who will organise U-14 teams in the targeted cluster villages, which will then be followed by sponsoring trials to various professional FC of talented players. 

Further, she stated that the initiative is important to nurture young talents especially in villages and rural areas, which will give them the platform to grow professionally.

The pilot project will be under the guidance of Bhaichung Bhutia and Renedy Singh.

A penalty shoot-out was also held during the half time of the match in aid of Bhaichung Bhutia Project Corpus Fund between Wing Commander S Akheto Jakhalu and Bhaichung Bhutia’s team, where the members contributed an amount of INR 50,000.

The event was powered by Atoqa Tea factory (North East Brews Nagaland Premium Tea), YouthNet and Musik-A Events.

Earlier, Kense delivered the welcome and opening remarks, while vote of thanks was given by vice president of WSSA, Mughapu V Yeptho.

Meanwhile, the event was followed by a second session, wherein various artistes such as NK Naga, Kekhrie Ringa, Alobo Naga and Dreamz Unlimited entertained the audience.