The Lotha Football Championship (LFC) 2025 culminated on 22nd January 2025 held at the local ground, Wokha with Achumbemo Kikon, MLA & Chairman SDPDB, Bhandari as the special guest at the closing ceremony.
Speaking at the short closing ceremony, Kikon reiterated that the community's mentality and actions are vital for the progress and advancement of society. He challenged the spectators to be civilized and to encourage the players to perform well without losing their temper on the field. He emphasized that spectators contribute significantly to the performance of the players and urged the players to display good sportsmanship.
Kikon encouraged the spectators to adopt a new perception and approach starting with a new year by challenging them to keep the public places like government offices and playgrounds clean, as if they were their own property. According to him, this reflects the mentality of society.
Kikon expressed his displeasure regarding development and infrastructure in the district, stating that land disputes and issues are the main setbacks for development. He urged fellow citizens to adopt an accommodating spirit in embracing development with a cheerful heart and a positive approach, understanding the state government's efforts. He assured that under the able leadership of Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio the state is focusing on promoting sports talents, which would contribute to infrastructural development if landowners or development are not hindered.
He reminded the audience that the four legislators of the Wokha district are closely associated and eager to engage in community development, seeking cooperation from the citizens.
Later, he called on the sportsmen to focus on their talents, avoiding drugs, alcohol, mobile and intoxicating substances. Instead, he encouraged them to focus on activities that provide pleasure, physical health, and career opportunities, stating that the calling is through sports. He urged the young Lotha and Naga youths to take sports seriously and pursue it as a career. He thanked the organizers and wished the best team to win the championship without any eventualities.
The final match commenced after the short closing ceremony, with XI Brothers opening their account with a goal in the sixth minute by Mhabemo Kikon, which was equalized by Nchum Murry in the ninth minute for Nitsyan FC.
The first half saw an intense display of football from both XI Brothers and Nitsyan FC, ending 1-1 after 45 minutes. Defending champions XI Brothers launched a strong attack in the second half, with Toka scoring a goal for the team in the 79th minute. Substitute player Wonrhon, who replaced Benri in the 60th minute, scored two goals for XI Brothers in the 81st and 90+ minutes, ending the match with a 4-1 victory.
(DPRO & IA Wokha)
