DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 15 (MExN): The North East Zone Inter-University (Men’s) Football Tournament, hosted by Nagaland University (NU) at its headquarters in Lumami, concluded today with a grand finale. National Sports University (NSU), Manipur, emerged as champions, while Nagaland University claimed the runner-up position. Dibrugarh University secured third place, followed by Dhanamanjuri University, Manipur, in fourth.
The tournament, held under the auspices of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), marked a significant milestone as NU hosted the event for the first time in its 30-year history. NU’s football team also achieved a historic milestone by finishing among the top four teams.
According to NU PRO Peter Ki, 14 university teams from the eight northeastern states participated in the knockout rounds from November 11 to 13. The top four teams then competed in league matches on November 14 and 15 to determine their final rankings.
Individual accolades were awarded during the tournament, with NU’s Rankathung recognized as the best goalkeeper, NSU’s Jetlee as the best striker, and Tapas Saikia of Dibrugarh University declared player of the tournament.
The closing ceremony, held after the final match, featured Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner Thsuvisie Phoji as the special guest. Phoji praised NU for successfully organizing the tournament and highlighted the role of sports in promoting unity and peace in the region. He emphasized the Northeast’s legacy in producing exceptional athletes and urged players to carry forward the values of sportsmanship and solidarity.
Prof. Jagadish K. Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University, served as the chief guest and commended the sports section for its efforts. He acknowledged the challenges faced by athletes from the Northeast, such as limited infrastructure and training opportunities, and encouraged players to persevere and aim for national recognition. Patnaik expressed NU’s willingness to host the Women’s Football Tournament next year, aiming to further develop sports infrastructure at the university.
The Organizing Secretary, Dr. Harish Kumar Tiwari, expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the event’s success, particularly the players from the participating universities. He announced that the top four teams will represent the Northeast Zone at the All India Inter-Zonal Tournament at GNA University, Phagwara, Punjab, from December 27, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
The event was chaired by Dr. Ashutosh Tripathi, Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Sciences, NU, and concluded with a vote of thanks by NU Football Coach Watimenba Longchar.
