Mokokchung, October 15: Nagaland’s premier inter-district football tournament marked a major milestone as the 25th edition of the Dr. T. Ao Inter-District Football Trophy kicked off at the Renpo Lu Sports Complex in Ungma, Mokokchung, on October 13.
The silver jubilee edition celebrates the legacy of Dr. T. Ao, the legendary footballer who captained the Indian team at the 1948 London Olympics, and aims to inspire a new generation of footballers across Nagaland.
Minister for Housing and Mechanical Engineering Bashangmongba Chang attended the inaugural ceremony as the special guest, while Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer was the guest of honour.
Chang described the tournament as more than a sporting competition, calling it a platform to promote unity, discipline, brotherhood and sportsmanship. He urged players to focus on regular training, teamwork and commitment to the game.
Pointing to emerging sporting talent in the state, the minister cited 12-year-old Wangshem Konyak from Mon district, who received recognition, including the Young Achievers Award, Nagaland, 2026. He stressed the need for collective efforts to identify and nurture young talent at the grassroots level.
Longkumer said the silver jubilee represented generations of passion, perseverance and sportsmanship. Recalling Dr. T. Ao’s historic role in Indian football, he urged players to draw inspiration from the legend and uphold humility, discipline and respect for their opponents.
“The trophy represents values that go beyond competition,” was the central message of his address, as he encouraged players to carry the spirit of fair play both on and off the field.
Advisor for Transport and Technical Education and organising committee convenor Temjenmemba welcomed the gathering and acknowledged the Nagaland Football Association (NFA) for its role in developing football and nurturing emerging players. He also thanked Dr. T. Ao’s children and grandchildren for attending the jubilee celebration.
NFA president K. Neibuo Sekhose described the occasion as a homecoming, while Advisor for Sericulture and Minority Affairs and chief host Imkongmar extended his greetings, highlighting Dr. T. Ao’s continuing influence on younger generations.
Singer and songwriter Methanielie Jutakhrie also made a special appearance at the inaugural ceremony.
The opening match between Mokokchung and Wokha districts set the competition in motion, bringing teams together for the inter-district championship.
The silver jubilee edition marks 25 editions of a tournament that has helped keep Dr. T. Ao’s legacy alive while providing a platform for footballers from across Nagaland to showcase their talent.
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