Nagaland United unveils jerseys celebrating Naga heritage ahead of IFL debut

•    Home kit honours Dr Talimeren Ao as AIFF•    Calls for grassroots development and opportunities for young footballersMorung Express NewsChümoukedima | October 22Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC) unveiled its three official jerseys on Thursday evening at Zone Niathu, Chümoukedima, as the club prepares to make its debut in the Indian Football League (IFL), marking a historic first for Nagaland football.The unveiling formed part of the IFL Trophy Tour programme in Nagaland, bringing the league trophy to the state ahead of NUSC’s opening fixture against Real Kashmir FC in Srinagar on October 30.The three kits — home, away and reserve — incorporate elements of Naga heritage, culture and landscape, with the club seeking to carry its identity and stories beyond the state through its participation in the national competition.The white home jersey, displayed at the centre during the unveiling, is dedicated to Dr Talimeren Ao, who was born in Changki and captained India at the 1948 London Olympics. The inside collar carries the words attributed to him, “We play football”, paying tribute to his place in the history of Indian football.The black away kit features repeating red geometric patterns inspired by Naga motifs, while the reserve kit draws inspiration from the skies above Nagaland’s hills. The latter features contrasting sleeve colours and a star on the back, details the club says reflect the identity and heritage of its people.Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio attended the programme as chief guest, while Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along was the guest of honour. Representatives of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the Nagaland Football Association (NFA), and other football stakeholders were also present.Addressing the gathering, Rio described the club’s entry into the IFL as the realisation of a long-held aspiration and acknowledged the efforts of its founders and members in bringing the opportunity to fruition. He also thanked the AIFF for supporting the club’s participation and recognising the legacy of Ao.Rio urged the club’s management, coaches and players to approach the competition with discipline, professionalism and respect for their opponents, while upholding the highest standards of sportsmanship.He emphasised that sporting participation was about more than competition, pointing to the opportunities it could create for young people, including potential livelihoods through sport. He called on football lovers to support NUSC and visiting teams by turning out for matches and fostering an atmosphere of enthusiasm, hospitality and respect.The Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of grassroots sports development, recalling the State government’s efforts to promote youth empowerment through football and other sporting initiatives. He expressed hope that NUSC’s participation would inspire young people across Nagaland and among Naga communities elsewhere to pursue their sporting ambitions.Along said the Department of Tourism was proud to partner with NUSC on its journey into the national league. He noted that the club’s participation would provide an opportunity not only to showcase the skills and determination of Naga footballers but also to introduce audiences across the country to the state’s traditions, culture and distinctive way of life.He also thanked the AIFF and the IFL for bringing the trophy to Nagaland, describing the occasion as an important moment for local football and youth development.AIFF representative Abhishek Yadav, Head of Operations for the IFL, congratulated NUSC on becoming the first club from Nagaland to enter the competition. He recalled Ao’s contribution as captain of the Indian team at the 1948 London Olympics, describing his legacy as a source of pride for both Nagaland and Indian football.Yadav said the club’s participation carried a responsibility to build on that legacy, but stressed that its significance extended beyond results on the pitch. He said it could give young boys and girls across Nagaland a platform to showcase their abilities and the confidence to aspire to the highest levels of Indian football.He encouraged the club to invest in grassroots development, nurture local talent and build a strong connection with its community, adding that the foundations laid in its first season could help shape a sustainable future for the club.NFA president Neibu Sekhose also welcomed NUSC’s entry into the league, describing it as a milestone for the state and an inspiration for local players. He said the club’s achievement demonstrated that national-level football was within reach for young people from Nagaland.NUSC president John Longkumer, in his vote of thanks, described the occasion as one that the state could look back on as a historic first step towards greater achievements in football.The club’s stated ambition, he said, was to work towards “achieving greatness as a football team, as a football state”, with the support of its fans and the people of Nagaland.The jersey unveiling and trophy tour marked a symbolic beginning to NUSC’s national campaign, placing the state’s footballing aspirations alongside the legacy of Dr Talimeren Ao and the wider ambition of creating more opportunities for young Naga athletes.