Dr T Ao Trophy Silver Jubilee edition kicks off in Mokokchung

Mokokchung, October 14 (MExN): The 25th Silver Jubilee edition of the Dr T Ao Inter-District Football Championship 2026 began at the Renpo Lu Sports Complex, Ungma, Mokokchung, on October 13, with state leaders calling for the promotion of grassroots football and the preservation of the legacy of the legendary footballer.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.The Silver Jubilee monolith of the championship was virtually unveiled by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio from Kohima, while Longkumer formally declared the tournament open at the venue.In his address, Chang described the Dr T Ao Trophy as a celebration of football's continuing journey, from the legacy of Dr Talimeren Ao to a new generation aspiring to achieve greater heights.He said the championship represented not only the spirit of football but also the values of unity, discipline, brotherhood and togetherness among the Nagas.Appreciating the state's young footballers, Chang referred to 12-year-old Wangshem Konyak from Mon district, who has received recognition, including the Young Achievers Award, Nagaland, 2026.He said sporting talent could emerge from even the most remote corners of the state if young players received proper training and guidance. He called for collective efforts to identify and nurture emerging talent at the grassroots level.Chang said Dr T Ao's contribution had instilled a sense of unity, brotherhood, discipline and healthy competition among the people. Acknowledging the continued support and guidance of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, particularly in sports, he encouraged young people to train consistently and urged players to compete with teamwork, dedication and discipline.Longkumer said the 25th edition was more than another chapter in the history of the tournament, describing it as a celebration of a journey spanning generations and shaped by passion, commitment, perseverance and sportsmanship. He said the Silver Jubilee offered an opportunity to reflect on past achievements with gratitude while looking ahead with renewed hope, aspiration and determination.Recalling Dr T Ao's legacy, Longkumer said he was not only an exceptional footballer but also a leader who captained the Indian football team at the 1948 London Olympics, taking the country to the international stage.The Speaker said the trophy represented a legacy of humility, discipline and service, and urged players to compete in the spirit of friendship and discipline, respect their opponents and play with compassion.Advisor for Transport and Technical Education and convenor of the organising committee, Temjenmemba, delivered the welcome address and acknowledged the Nagaland Football Association (NFA) for nurturing emerging talent and promoting sports across the state. He also thanked the children and grandchildren of Dr T Ao for joining the Silver Jubilee celebrations.NFA president K Neibuo Sekhose described the occasion as a homecoming.Advisor for Sericulture and Minority Affairs and chief host of the event, Imkongmar, extended greetings and said the occasion celebrated the enduring legacy of Dr T Ao, whose life and achievements continued to inspire younger generations.Chief Minister Rio, in his virtual address, said the occasion marked not only the commemoration of a monument but also the beginning of another chapter in Nagaland's continuing football journey.Reflecting on the life of Dr T Ao, a pioneering figure in Indian football who captained the national team at the 1948 London Olympics, Rio said his life exemplified discipline, courage, humility, perseverance and dedication to the greater good. He noted that Dr T Ao had excelled both in sports and in his professional life as a public servant, and urged young people to imbibe these values. Rio also appreciated the NFA and everyone associated with the game for their contribution to the championship's journey.The opening ceremony featured a special appearance by singer and songwriter Methanielie Jutakhrie.The opening match of the Silver Jubilee edition was played between Mokokchung and Wokha district teams.