The Dr. T Ao Trophy 24th Inter-District Football Championship 2025 took off with a grand opening on Friday evening at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima with the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, as the Special Guest.
Rio, in his speech said Dr. T Ao is the state’s most iconic son who captained India’s first Olympic football team in London after Independence in 1948. He described Ao as a barefooted barrier-breaker who settled in the hearts of all Nagas. “His legacy inspires the youth to dream big and with the available facilities and support, today’s youth can achieve success by dedicating themselves with sincerity, hard work, and perseverance,” Rio said.
Rio expressed gratitude to the All India Football Federation of India (AIFF) for renaming the Junior Girls National Football Championship after late Dr. T Ao and giving the privilege to Nagaland to host this year’s tournament.
The inter-district tournament has been held for the 24th time, bringing together players from all districts, fostering unity, oneness, and collective growth, the chief minister stated, and affirmed the state government’s commitment to develop football and other sports disciplines, including continuous coaching for players and officials.
Rio highlighted that two Naga footballers are undergoing training in Thailand and there is hope that they will soon join international-level teams. He also mentioned that the government is developing astro-turf football grounds in all districts of Nagaland with six already completed and the rest expected to be finished soon.
Additionally, futsal facilities are being developed in 28 locations, along with 31 multipurpose buildings across the districts, he said.
Rio announced that he would be inaugurating two multipurpose buildings and 13 futsal facilities the following day with the remaining projects to be completed as soon as possible.
The chief minister further informed that 16 footballers under 20 and their coaches are part of the Chief Minister’s Sports Fellowship currently training in Meluri with many athletes excelling nationally and internationally. He emphasized that sports is no longer just entertainment but a global industry valued at over six hundred million dollars. Nagaland has gained recognition through the Nagaland Super League, approved by the Indian Football Federation.
MLA and Convener of the Organizing Committee for the 24th Dr. T Ao Trophy highlighted that the championship honors not just the spirit of football but also the enduring legacy of Dr. T Ao, a legendary figure in Indian football history.
“For us, football is more than a game—it connects districts and tribes, uniting us beyond language and borders. It promotes healthy competition, mutual respect, and unity, which are the essence of true sportsmanship,” Sophie stated.
He expressed hope that the championship would exemplify fair play, team spirit, and friendship, urging players to “play with heart, honor, and humility, carrying their district’s pride with grace.”
President of the Nagaland Football Association (NFA) K Neibou Sekhose in his address explained that CM Rio had always been a great advocate of the sport and it was on his suggestion that the Inter-District Football Championship was renamed the Dr. T Ao Trophy in 2004 and the Northeast Fraternity Gold Cup became the Northeast Dr. T Ao Trophy in 2009. The tournament was approved by the AIFF and hosted by Nagaland in 2009 with state government sponsorship continuing to this day, he remarked.
On behalf of the NFA, Sekhose expressed deep gratitude to the chief minister for his contributions to sports, especially football. He hailed the AIFF approving the renaming of the Junior (Girls) National Football Championship to Dr. T Ao Trophy on September 10, 2024.
“Now, his name will be remembered nationwide—a proud moment for the NFA and football lovers. The first edition will be hosted by Nagaland in November 2025,” Sekhose said.
He noted that both junior and senior state teams have performed exceptionally at national tournament (Santosh Trophy, U-17 Boys & Girls, U-20 Boys), narrowly losing to SAI in penalties.
Further, the NFA president mentioned that the state teams for the NE Dr. T Ao Tournament and Santosh Trophy will be selected from this championship.
Emphasizing that sports offer equal opportunities based on skill and merit, he stressed that team sports like football teach life skills—teamwork, communication, leadership, and time management. He advised, “A true sportsman accepts both victory and defeat with grace, conducting themselves with dignity on and off the field.”
The grand opening ceremony began with an invocation by Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener, General Secretary of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council, followed by the “Hallelujah Chorus” performed by the Kohima Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship.
The first match was played between Kohima and Tseminyu, wherein the host team beat Tseminyu by 3-0. The goal scorers for Kohima team were Thejasetuo Gwirie, Kevisanyü Peseyie and Kevizakie.
Altogether, 17 district teams are vying for the prestigious title. The event is being organised by NFA, hosted by the Kohima District Football Association, powered by the District Planning and Development Board Kohima, and supported by the department of Youth Resources and Sports.
Day 2 fixture:
Tuensang vs Mon (9 AM)
Longleng vs Chümoukedima (11 AM)
Mokokchung vs Wokha (1 PM)
Peren vs Meluri (3 PM)
