NSU Manipur win NE Zone Inter University Men's Football Tourney

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Nov 15: The North East Zone Inter University Men's Football Tournament, which kicked off on November 11 at Nagaland University (Headquarters Lumami), culminated today with National Sports University (NSU) of Manipur claiming the coveted championship title.
The thrilling competition saw the host team Nagaland University (NU) secure second place, while Dibrugarh University finished third.
Dhanamanjuri University (Manipur), placed in fourth place, completed the list of top four teams.
The top four teams will represent the North East Zone in the upcoming All India Inter-Zonal Tournament at GNA University in Phagwara, Punjab, which will be held from December 27 to January 5.
From November 11 to November 13, a total of 14 University teams from the eight North East States played in the knockout round to determine the four best teams.
The league matches of the four best teams--Nagaland University, National Sports University (NSU) Manipur, Dibrugarh University and Dhanamanjuri University (Manipur)--kicked off on November 14.
Rankathung of Nagaland University was named the best goalkeeper.
Jetlee of National Sports University Manipur was named the best striker.
Tapas Saikia of Dibrugarh University was declared the player of the tournament.
Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, Thsuvisie Phoji, who was the special guest at the ceremony, expressed heartfelt appreciation to Nagaland University for hosting the tournament, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of the teams.
He praised the competitive spirit displayed by the participating universities.
Phoji also emphasised the importance of such tournaments in showcasing the immense sporting talent of the North East, particularly in football, and noted the region’s historical success in producing athletes who have excelled on the National and international stage.
Phoji highlighted the role of sports in fostering unity and peace in the region, especially amidst ongoing conflicts and challenges.
He urged the athletes to carry forward the message of harmony, solidarity, and sportsmanship, becoming ambassadors of peace and role models for others.
Chief guest, Prof Jagadish K Patnaik, Vice Chancellor, Nagaland University, expressing appreciation to the sports section for successfully organizing the tournament said, "Sport is the only binding force, where all the North East States come together and share a common goal of excellence".
Patnaik went on to narrate how despite the lack of infrastructure and inadequate training, players from North East have been persistent and made notable contributions in the field of sports.
The tournament was organised under the auspices of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), New Delhi.