Dimapur, May 23: The Nagaland Men’s blind football team recently made its remarkable debut at the 7th Men’s Edition & 3rd Women’s Edition of the Indian Blind Football Federation (IBFF) National Tournament held at Jamshedpur from May 17 to 20.
The team’s participation in the tournament was earned through their commendable performance, securing the third position in the North East Zonal qualifiers held at Arunachal Pradesh in January 2023. The recently concluded national tournament, organized by IBFF, brought together 19 states teams from across the country to compete for the coveted title.
The team was led by head coach Diethozo Yoho, assistant coach cum goal guide Kezhaleto Zecho, goalkeeper cum escort Rongsenyanger and the following players – Odimongba, Ragulong Newmai, Kholang, Yafo and Hangmei Henka.
The men’s team, comprising of dedicated and skilled players, showcased their abilities on the field and left a lasting impression on both fans and fellow participants. They played with unwavering determination and passion, overcoming numerous challenges to participate in the tournament.
Despite their triumph over seasoned West Bengal, the Nagaland team could, however, not qualify for the semifinals due to a point shortage against Kerala in the group stages.
The Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Directorate of Social Welfare and Directorate of Youth Resources & Sports played a crucial role in supporting the team’s participation in the event. Their sponsorship and encouragement provided the team with the necessary resources and assistance to participate in the tournament at such a competitive level.
Expressing gratitude for the invaluable support, Kezhaleto Zecho, assistant coach stated, “We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Social Welfare and Youth Resources Department for their unwavering support and belief in our team. Their contribution has enabled us to showcase our talent and compete against some of the best blind football teams in the country.”
(Page News Service)
