A commemoration programme titled “Where Legends Begin” was held on February 21 at Impur Mission Centre, observing the formal renaming of the Impur Mission Centre football playground as Dr T Ao Ground, the first football ground in Nagaland to be named after legendary Naga footballer Dr Talimeren Ao, India’s first football captain and flag bearer at the 1948 London Olympic Games.
The ground holds deep historical significance as it was Dr T Ao’s first playground. Growing up at Impur, the open ground near his home, now officially named after him was where he first learned and played football, often barefoot and with improvised balls on rough terrain. These formative years laid the foundation for his football skills, discipline, and leadership, shaping a journey that later saw him captain the Indian national football team at the London Olympics.
In his address, K Neibou Sekhose described the occasion as a historic moment in the “Land of Pioneers,” stating that the day would be remembered as the place where a hero was born. He expressed sincere gratitude to ABAM for its initiative and generous support in renaming the ground in honour of Dr T Ao, the first captain of the Indian Olympic football team. He said ABAM’s partnership with the NFA reflected a shared commitment and vision to community growth and the promotion of sports excellence in Nagaland.
Sekhose also thanked the President and officials of Ao Senden for their presence and support, expressing hope for continued collaboration in the future. Recalling the recognition accorded to Dr T Ao over the years, he noted that in 2004, 56 years after the London Olympics, the Inter-District Football Championship was named the Dr T Ao Trophy on the suggestion of the Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, and hosted by the Kohima District Football Association. He added that in 2009, the North East Fraternity Gold Cup was renamed the NE Dr T Ao Trophy and hosted by Nagaland.
He further stated that after 76 years, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) honoured Dr T Ao by approving the renaming of the Junior Girls National Football Championship as the Dr T Ao Junior Girls National Football Championship during its Executive Committee meeting held on September 10, 2024, in Hyderabad. He noted that the 2025–26 edition of the championship was hosted by the NFA, marking the first national-level football tournament held in Nagaland.
While acknowledging that recognition came late, Sekhose expressed gratitude to the present AIFF leadership under President Kalyan Chaubey for honouring Dr T Ao’s legacy, and thanked the AIFF for choosing Nagaland as the host state.
Describing the national championship as a fitting tribute, Sekhose said Dr T Ao’s life continues to inspire efforts to promote football and nurture young talent. He highlighted that Dr T Ao excelled both academically and on the field, setting a high standard for today’s youth. Reflecting on the past, he said Dr T Ao’s rise to national prominence helped change negative perceptions about Nagas and brought pride to the community. He emphasized that sports reflect equality, merit, and opportunity, and called upon society to draw inspiration from Dr T Ao’s life and values.
Anthony Ngullie, IAS, Secretary, Youth Resources and Sports, and President of the Nagaland Veteran Football Association, in his address said it was an honour to pay tribute to Dr T Ao, a great athlete and son of the soil whose life continues to inspire generations. He described Dr T Ao as a proud son of the nation whose name is firmly etched in Indian football history.
Highlighting key milestones, Ngullie noted that Dr T Ao captained the Indian national team immediately after Independence in 1948 and played his entire football career barefoot, never wearing boots stating “a defining aspect of his legacy.”
He said Dr T Ao demonstrated that sports are rooted in character, unity, and honour, and that excellence can be achieved through hard work and integrity. Referring to the journey that began from this very ground at Impur, Ngullie said Dr T Ao’s life stands as a testament to dedication and determination. He added that beyond football, Dr T Ao balanced his profession as a medical doctor with his passion for sports, embodying humility, service, and national pride.
Ngullie appreciated ABAM for renaming the ground in honour of Dr T Ao, stating that the decision reflected a renewed vision and strengthened its mission. He stressed the importance of encouraging youth to engage in sports and physical activity, noting that football serves as a powerful unifying force. He also acknowledged the support of the Chief Minister and said that sports in Nagaland are entering a new phase of growth through planned activities and infrastructure development.
In his grateful greetings, N Akok Longkumer, President, Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA), said the day marked an important moment not merely unveiling a new name, but honouring a legacy and remembering a visionary whose journey began on such grounds. He thanked ABAM for conceptualizing and organizing the commemoration, and for honouring Dr T Ao in a dignified manner that connects faith, community, history, and youth development.
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Longkumer also expressed gratitude to the NFA and the Department of Youth Resources and Sports for accepting the MDFA’s proposal to rename the ground, stating that it demonstrated unity of vision among institutions.
Describing Dr T Ao as a pioneer, leader, and symbol of discipline and excellence, he said the naming of the ground would inspire future generations and reinforce MDFA’s commitment to grassroots football development.
He informed that MDFA has structured grassroots development across nine zonal areas in the district, with Impur falling under the Kubolong Block, enabling early identification and nurturing of talent. He added that the Dr T Ao Ground would stand not only as a venue for matches, but as a symbol of aspiration—reminding young players that greatness can begin at home and encouraging collective efforts to invest in youth for a stronger society.
The programme began with an opening prayer led by Rev Dr Akok Amer, Pastor, Impur BA. A legacy reflection was delivered by Rev. Temsü Jamir, Executive Secretary, Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM), followed by grateful greetings from Imtipokyim, General Secretary, Ao Senden. A tribute song titled “Where Legends Begin” was presented, after which the declaration and unveiling ceremony was carried out by K Neibou Sekhose, President, Nagaland Football Association (NFA). The programme concluded with a dedicatory prayer by Rev. Temsü Jamir.
As part of the commemoration, a kick-off feature match between NFA XI and ABAM XI was played at the ground.
