Minister Tongpang graces opening ceremony
Tuensang, November 9 (MExN): The special guest, Minister Tongpang was received by Tuensang Village Citizens’ Union Cultural Troupe while the guest unfurled the CCSU flag followed by the Chang anthem.
The special guest in his speech while congratulating the composers of the Chang anthem stated, “It’s beautiful and I respect it”. He said that “The theme of 29th Loyem Memorial Trophy, ‘No to depression, yes to football’ is quite appropriate to the present context and the situation.”
“Loyem Memorial Trophy is one of the oldest or if not the oldest surviving football trophies in Nagaland. Angami Students’ Union (ASU) organizes the NSF Martyrs Trophy and CCSU organizes LMT and in my opinion it will be the oldest trophy,” he remarked.
Speaking on the football scenario of the country and the visible absence of Naga players in the highest level of Indian league he said, “Within few years’ time I wish to see Nagaland as a nursery of talent in Indian football but for that we need so many things, infrastructure equated by the government, the dedication, the determination and the discipline from the players, also the management when all these are well set up Nagaland will be a nursery of football talent in India.”
With a message of love and brotherhood he said, “Today we have come not only to watch football but we also bring from Mokokchung love and brotherhood to Tuensang. We were neighbors since time immemorial and we will remain as neighbors and brothers. Therefore, let’s respect and help one another, then only the true sense of neighbors will be there.”
In the presidential address, Pongsu Chang, President of CCSU recollected the early days of the trophy when the leaders of the erstwhile Chang Students’ Conference anticipated for bringing coherent existence of all through games and sports by bringing the youngsters together under a platform to expose their talent.
He thanked the Government of Nagaland and Department of Youth Resource, Government of Nagaland for accepting the appeal of the CCSU for the construction of Astro-turf at Loyem Memorial Ground in Tuensang which will be the second of its kind in Nagaland. “We expect it to be completed by April 2022 and with its development I declare today that the 30th Loyem Memorial Trophy 2022 will be held at Loyem Memorial Astro-turf Ground.
In the welcome address, Mongba Chang, Convenor, LMT appealed the participating teams and match officials to maintain “High class and team spirit”. He requested the supporters to cheer up their teams in “Hatred and racism free manner”.
Short speeches were also delivered by Vice-President of CKS and Deputy Commissioner of Tuensang. A song rendition of the trophy was performed by Donen Yanchu and TTBL BYE performed aerobic routines as a special appearance.
Earlier, the opening ceremony was chaired by Hongsang Sonla and invocation prayer was spoken by Pastor, Sumi Baptist Church, Tuensang.
