Hosts Mokokchung and Wokha played out a 3-3 draw before a crowd of more than 5,000 spectators at the newly built Renpo Lu Sports Complex, Ungma, Mokokchung, on Tuesday, as the 25th Dr T Ao Trophy Inter-District Football Championship, Silver Jubilee Edition 2026, got underway.
The opening match drew a large gathering of football enthusiasts, with the newly built sports complex providing the venue for the start of the silver jubilee edition of Nagaland’s premier inter-district football tournament.
Mokokchung captain Sentilong opened the scoring with a direct free kick in the 13th minute, but Wokha fought back through Yibenthung Ezung in the 29th minute. Lanutemsu restored the hosts’ lead in the 33rd minute before Wokha’s Victor Kithan converted a direct free kick in the 47th minute to make it 2-2.
Yashimeren put Mokokchung ahead again in the 60th minute, only for Ezung to score his second goal in the 70+3rd minute and secure a draw for Wokha in the 70-minute encounter.
The result denied the hosts a winning start to the silver jubilee edition of the tournament, named after Dr. Talimeren Ao, who captained the Indian football team at the 1948 London Olympic Games, the first Olympics in which independent India participated.
Mokokchung enjoyed greater possession, controlling 60% of the ball against Wokha’s 40%, and registered 11 shots on target compared with Wokha’s six. The hosts also won six corner kicks, while Wokha had two.
Mokokchung committed six fouls against Wokha’s seven. Wokha were caught offside three times, while the hosts recorded none. Wokha’s Saronbemo Shitiri received a yellow card in the 40th minute.
The opening ceremony was attended by Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer as Guest of Honour, Minister for Housing and Mechanical Engineering P. Bashangmongba Chang as Special Guest, and Advisor for Sericulture and Minority Affairs Imkongmar as Chief Host. Advisor for Transport and Technical Education Temjenmenba is the Convenor of the Organising Committee.
The silver jubilee edition brings together teams representing all 17 districts of Nagaland, continuing the tournament’s role in promoting inter-district competition and providing a platform for football talent in the state.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Minister P Bashangmongba Chang described the silver jubilee edition as a celebration of Nagaland football’s continuing journey, from the legacy of Dr. T. Ao to a new generation of young footballers aspiring to compete at national and international levels.
He said Dr. T. Ao’s legacy extended beyond football, representing unity, discipline, brotherhood and togetherness among the Naga people. Football, he said, had provided young people with a common platform where teamwork, friendship and collective achievement took precedence over differences.
Highlighting recent developments in the state’s football landscape, Chang said Nagaland United Sports Club was set to participate in the national-level Indian Football League following recognition by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). He described the development as a historic chapter for Nagaland that could open new pathways for Naga footballers to compete at a higher national level.
The minister also highlighted the achievements of 12-year-old Wangshem Konyak from Mon district, who has competed in international youth football at a young age. He said the young footballer’s journey demonstrated that talent could emerge from even the remotest corners of Nagaland when supported by opportunities, training, encouragement, proper guidance, determination and a clear purpose.
Chang noted that Wangshem’s achievements had also earned him recognition in the state, including the Young Achiever Award at Nagaland’s 2026 National Sports Day programme.
He said developments such as the emergence of Nagaland United Sports Club and the achievements of young footballers showed how far the state had progressed, while underscoring the work that remained to be done.
Calling for collective efforts from sports associations and other stakeholders, Chang stressed the need to strengthen grassroots football, identify talent at village and school levels, improve coaching and infrastructure, and provide young players with nutrition, sports science support and exposure to higher-level competition.
He also emphasised the role of families, communities and schools in creating an environment where sporting talent was respected as a career and young people were encouraged to pursue excellence.
Referring to Dr. T Ao’s contribution to Nagaland’s identity and sporting history, Chang said his achievements had helped instil unity, discipline, humility, sacrifice and healthy competition among generations of Nagas, placing the state on the national sporting map.
The minister credited Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s leadership for the government’s increasing emphasis on sports infrastructure, training opportunities and the development of a stronger sporting ecosystem.
He referred to the development of multi-discipline sports stadiums in districts, the Chümoukedima Football Stadium with a seating capacity of 5,000, and the Nagaland Super League as initiatives that had strengthened the state’s football environment.
Addressing the players, Chang urged them to regard football as a potential profession and source of livelihood, while reminding them that success required consistent practice, fitness, technical improvement, discipline and the ability to learn from defeats.
He said the Dr T Ao Trophy provided players with a platform to showcase their abilities and pursue opportunities at higher levels, adding that their performances could attract the attention of scouts, coaches and football institutions.
The minister encouraged the players to give their best, maintain confidence and remember that they represented the hopes and aspirations of their families, communities and districts. He expressed hope that the silver jubilee edition would produce footballers capable of representing Nagaland at national and international levels.
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Speaker Sharingain Longkumer described the 25th edition as a historic milestone in the tournament’s journey, shaped by generations of passion, commitment, perseverance and sportsmanship.
He said the silver jubilee was an opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of the past while looking ahead with renewed hope and determination. He also expressed appreciation to the organisers, the Nagaland Football Association (NFA), led by its president K. Neibou Sekhose, and the Mokokchung District Football Association for organising and hosting the championship in Mokokchung, the home district of Dr T Ao.
Longkumer extended his greetings to the people of Ungma and Mokokchung and thanked them for their support and contributions towards hosting the tournament. He expressed confidence that the local community would extend its hospitality to participating teams, players, officials and visitors.
The Speaker acknowledged the continued support of the Nagaland government towards sports development and said the Renpo Lu Sports Complex represented a vision to provide better sporting infrastructure for the younger generation.
He credited Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the council of ministers, advisors and the ruling party for supporting the development of the facility. He also acknowledged the landowners of Ungma, who, he said, had willingly supported the project in recognition of the aspirations of the younger generation and the future of the village.
Longkumer commended the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, its engineering team and contractors for their sustained efforts to make the complex available for the championship ahead of its estimated completion.
He explained that the work had been accelerated, with the facility being made available approximately seven months ahead of the estimated completion schedule to host the historic tournament. He appealed to visitors to excuse any inconvenience caused by the ongoing work and said the department and contractors remained committed to delivering a complete, national-standard sporting facility after the championship.
Reflecting on Dr. T. Ao’s legacy, Longkumer described him as an outstanding footballer and leader who captained independent India at the 1948 London Olympics. He said Dr. T. Ao’s journey demonstrated how talent, discipline, humility and determination could take an individual from a small corner of the country to the national and international stage.
He said the trophy was more than a football championship, describing it as a living tribute to excellence, humility, discipline and service. He urged the younger generation to view sports not merely as recreation but as a means of developing character, resilience, teamwork, leadership and responsibility.
Addressing the participating teams, Longkumer encouraged players to compete fiercely but fairly, give their best and respect their opponents. He reminded them that winning and losing were both part of sport, and that every match offered an opportunity to learn and grow.
“If you win, win with humility; if you lose, lose with grace,” he said.
Longkumer expressed hope that the silver jubilee edition would mark not only 25 years of football but also the beginning of an even more inspiring journey for the next 25 years, strengthening community bonds and contributing to football development in Nagaland and beyond.
Chief Host Imkongmar, Advisor for Sericulture and Minority Affairs, welcomed the distinguished guests, participating teams, organisers, sponsors, media representatives, supporters and members of Dr. Talimeren Ao’s family to the silver jubilee edition.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, stating that the infrastructure development taking place in Mokokchung under the chief minister’s leadership had made it possible for the district to host an event of this scale.
Imkongmar said improvements in roads, facilities and amenities had contributed to the district’s ability to host the championship and provide young players with a sporting venue suited to their aspirations.
He also thanked Speaker Sharingain Longkumer for taking the initiative to bring infrastructure development to Mokokchung and the state.
Describing the occasion as more than a football tournament, Imkongmar said it celebrated the enduring legacy of Dr. Talimeren Ao, whose name and contributions continued to inspire generations.
He expressed gratitude to the guests, participating teams, organisers, sponsors, press and media, supporters and, in particular, the family of Dr. T. Ao for being part of the milestone event.
The Chief Host expressed hope that the silver jubilee edition would inspire young players to dream bigger, play with integrity and carry forward the legacy of Nagaland’s footballing icon.
The opening ceremony featured the presentation of the trophy by the grandchildren of Dr. Talimeren Ao and an opening parade by participating teams.
The programme also included the official tournament theme song, an invocation by Rev. Dr. Ponen Longchar, Senior Pastor of Mokokchung Town Baptist Arogo, and a welcome address by Advisor Temjenmenba, Transport and Technical Education, who is also the convenor of the organising committee.
The Mokokchung Town Baptist Arogo Choir presented “Hallelujah”, while Methanielie Jütakhrie made a special appearance. A documentary titled “Dr. Talimeren Ao – Son of Nagaland” was also featured as part of the programme.
The tournament continues at Renpo Lu Sports Complex, Ungma, with the participating districts competing for the championship title. The tournament will conclude on October 29.
