1980 Subroto Cup Winners Union

Members of 1980 team, 29 years down the line It was nostalgic reunion of 1980 under-17 Subroto Cup football state wining team, meeting after a gap of 29 years.

Of the 15 team members, eight members Ketholetuo Khezhie (captain), Runcho, Zevikuo Liezietsu, Lendilong, Temjenchuba, Akangtoshi, Kekhriengulie Linyii and Toshimongba Jamir attended the re-union recently held at Khouchieze Hotel, Kohima.

The Nagaland team bagged its first champion’s trophy in 1980.

The then Chief Minister J.B. Jasokie and the then education minister Shurhozelie congratulated and felicitated the team. The Nagaland government awarded an amount of Rs. 1000 and a track suit to each player which was handed over by the then education minister and presently the urban development and higher and technical education minister Dr. Shurhozelie.

Chairing the meeting, Zevikuo Liezietsu,secretary Re-Union meet 1980 Subroto team said that the winning team of 1980 deserved to be recognized by the state government. He even brought his own track suit which was awarded to him so many years ago to the meeting, which stunned the gathering. “At that time, the track suit was so big that I could not use it” said Zevikuo in a lighter vein, while his team members were heard saying “it is now 29 years, so let our sons use it”, which brought roar of laughter at the gathering.

Sports analysts feel that the state government should grant them financial assistance as most of the players are already over 50 years old.

The reunion also decided to submit a memorandum to the state Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who is also President, Nagaland Olympic Association, to highlight some major points and to give the winning team members a Nagaland Olympic Logo Blazer, in recognition of the first state record in football. They also urged the state government to incorporate a policy to award financial assistance to the retired sports personnel.

The Junior Subroto Mukerjee cup under 17 which was started in 1960 is the only junior nation school level tournament. Nagaland for the first time took part in 1967 and had the distinction of winning in 1980. They were runner up on six occasions (1967, 1968, 1981, 1984, 1985 and 2004).

On other hand the sub Junior Subroto Mukerjee cup under 14, started in 1998, after the request of the Sports Federation of India was made to the Suborto cup organizer. The Nagaland state team was crowned champion in 2008. The tournament was launched in 1960 by the Indian Air Force, in memory of the late Subroto Mukherjee, then Air Chief Marshal, who died in Tokyo while investigating the death of freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose.