Nagaland Chief Minister,  Dr Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday virtually unveiled the Jubilee Monolith commemorating the 25th Dr T Ao Trophy Inter-District Football Championship 2026, Silver Jubilee Edition, at Renpo Lu Sports Complex, Ungma, Mokokchung.

The monolith marks the 25th edition of the state’s premier inter-district football tournament, named after Dr Talimeren Ao, the legendary footballer who captained the Indian team at the 1948 London Olympic Games, the first Olympics in which independent India participated.

In his virtual address, Rio said the silver jubilee was an opportunity to reflect on Dr. T. Ao’s legacy and renew the commitment to football development in Nagaland. He said the championship had grown into an important sporting institution, bringing together footballers from different districts, providing opportunities for emerging talent and strengthening unity among communities.

Rio highlighted Dr T Ao’s achievements in football and his service as a qualified medical doctor, saying his life exemplified discipline, courage, humility, perseverance and dedication to the greater good.

“By naming this championship after Dr T Ao, we do more than honour a sporting legend. We reaffirm our commitment to the ideals he represented and to the pursuit of excellence both on and off the field,” he said.

The Chief Minister acknowledged the contributions of the Nagaland Football Association (NFA), district football associations, organisers, players, coaches, supporters and host communities in sustaining the tournament over the years.

He said sports provided young people with opportunities to develop their skills, learn teamwork and discipline, and understand commitment, resilience and respect for others. He added that sporting competitions also enabled districts to come together through healthy competition and shared celebrations.

Rio said the state government would continue to strengthen grassroots sports, improve training and competition opportunities, identify promising talent and encourage young athletes to pursue higher levels of achievement.

He urged participating teams to compete with determination, uphold sportsmanship and respect their opponents, stressing that success was measured not only by winning but also by character, discipline and integrity.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

The Chief Minister then virtually unveiled the monolith, describing it as a lasting marker of the tournament’s history and collective achievement, and expressed hope that it would inspire future generations to pursue excellence in football and other fields.

Speaking at the programme, Benei M Lamthiu, MLA and General Secretary of the NFA, conveyed jubilee greetings on behalf of the association and the 17 affiliated district football associations of Nagaland.

Lamthiu thanked the Chief Minister for his continued support for sports and young people, stating that such support had helped strengthen the football fraternity in the state. He also appreciated the organising committee for completing preparations within a limited timeframe and providing facilities for the championship.

Referring to the monolith, Lamthiu said it would stand as a reminder of the silver jubilee and Nagaland’s aspirations to produce more footballers who could follow in the footsteps of Dr. T. Ao. He described football as a unifying force that brought people together irrespective of differences.

Monolith donor Er Sungti Amer, retired Assistant Chief Engineer, CAWD, said he was honoured to contribute to the project on behalf of his family and the Chunkuni community following a request from the Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA).

Amer thanked the Ungma Village Council for allotting the site and expressed appreciation to the state government for its efforts to promote sports and develop infrastructure.

He said the monolith represented communal solidarity, unity and the values of friendship, generosity, honesty and integrity that should be preserved and passed on to future generations.

Amer also acknowledged Wabang Ozukum of Mokokchung for the sculpting of the monolith, which depicts Dr T Ao alongside a representation of his renowned barefoot football legacy.

He said the championship served not only as a commemoration of Dr. T. Ao but also as a platform for young footballers to develop their abilities and aspire to represent Nagaland at national and international levels.

In his vote of thanks, Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung Ajit Kumar Verma, IAS, and Co-Convenor of the Organising Committee, expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for virtually unveiling the monolith and supporting sports development in the state.

Verma also acknowledged the NFA, MDFA, monolith donor, organising committee members, district administration, government departments, security personnel, volunteers, civil society organisations, village councils and media fraternity for their contributions to the event.

He said the success of the championship should be measured not only by the quality of football but also by the opportunities it creates for young people and the unity it fosters among Nagaland’s districts.

The programme was compered by Abenla Imsong and began with an invocation by Rev. Talijungla, Associate Pastor (Women), Ungma Baptist Church.