18 August : The 14th Youth Soccer Championship final match with the theme “Football for unity” was played between Penguin Club vrs Naga Boys Club on 15th August 2008 at the local ground Kohima sponsored by the Classic Club.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio who graced the function as the chief guest said that football is one of the most disciplined games to be played and added that to be a good sportsmen one should give it full time with dedication. The Nagas are thoroughly divided in one way or the other, he said adding that the theme – ‘Football for unity’ is very appropriate to unite the young Nagas.
Citing the Indian gold medal winner at the Beijing Olympics he said that although there is a long way to go for a state like Nagaland to excel in sports, one has to strive to compete in the National and International level.
Altogether 41 teams participated in the tournament. At the end of full time play in the match was a draw and the golden goal rule was applied and Penguin Club won the championship by a golden goal.
The Chief Minister donated 2 lakhs towards the Classic Club for the yeoman service rendered to the society.
Vote of thanks was proposed by Chotisuh Sazo, Vice President, Classic Club, Kohima and Parliamentary Secretary for Social Welfare and Women Development.