Preparations are in full swing in Tuensang where the Dr T Ao Football Trophy is going to be held for the first time from 17th September 2024 at the Loyem Memorial Astro Turf Ground. The event will be organised by the Nagaland Football Association (NFA) and hosted by the Tuensang District Football Association (TDFA).

Football fans are eager with excitement to witness the legendary inter-district tournament and support the local team.

Nagaland Tribune asked some individuals about how they feel about hosting the 23rd edition of Dr T Ao Football Trophy and what the tournament means to them.

“The prestigious Dr T Ao Trophy is not a mere trophy but also an emotion as well as a pride for all the Nagas”, K Hopong Yim, Vice President of TDFA said. He added that Dr T Ao not only represented Nagas but whole nation and expressed that as a district official he feltf blessed and being able to be a part of it.

Hopong also reminded that the tournament in Tuensang “marks the first ever to be taking place in whole of our Eastern region” and quoted the legendary footballer with pride, “I play football not boot ball.”

Sangle, General Secretary, Chang Wedoshi Setshang, said, “It is exciting and thrilling as we eagerly wait for the upcoming Dr T Ao Trophy to be kicked off. As a football lover, I have learnt about the very trophy couple of years back however, I never got a chance to witness a single match. Fortunately, the event is hosted at Tuensang and I am planning to manage my schedule to witness every single match.” Sangle also said that the supporters are going to make the event beautiful. He added that he will be rooting for Tuensang and Chümoukedima.

Rikhum, Official Member, Shamator District Football Association (SDFA), remarked, “Dr. T. Ao Tournament is the biggest football tournament in Nagaland.” He expressed that he is very excited and thrilled to participate in the event as an official representative. “What excites most is unlike any other tournaments in Tuensang, this Dr T Ao tournament we will be meeting and come across different professional player from all over districts of Nagaland. It is something substantial that NFA will be hosting its first ever such big tournament in Eastern part of Nagaland)”, he added.

Rikhum also mentioned that hosting the tournament “will boost the morale of the local football fans and as well give ample opportunity for the upcoming young player to witness and learn something new from the other district players. Apart from this tournament I am sure players as well as fans from other districts will also get to witness the diverse culture of Nagaland. My best wishes to all the officials and players from different district for this tournament”.

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Pongso, a football fan said, “I have always admired Dr T Ao, the legendary captain of the Indian National Football Team and have long heard about the prestigious Trophy, however this time it holds a special place in my heart as it will be played in my hometown, in my own community for the very first time.” He also said that football to him is more than a sport and remarked, “it fills me with immense joy and pride that this iconic tournament is happening right here in my locality.”

“It is an honour to be part of such an inspiring event”, said Lemshi, another football lover. “Experiencing the Dr T Ao Trophy for the first time in Tuensang is incredibly exciting and meaningful and it represent the passion, unity and love for football that runs deep in our region. It is a celebration of the sport and our shared heritage being a part of this tournament means embracing the legacy of football in the Northeast, while witnessing local talent rise and shine on a grand stage.”

Football fan Throngtsali Sangtam shared, “I feel excited and thrilled for being able to witness one of the biggest tournaments in Nagaland and more enthralling as it is being hosted by our own district.” He added that the tournament gives platform for footballers to shine for their own districts and also showcase their skills. “So I hope this time, I can witness the unity, diversity and talented footballers from each district”, Throngtsali said.

Khamli expressed excitement and privilege that Tuensang is hosting the famous. “We have many talented players from all over Nagaland and having to witness them play in real is making me more excited as football brings people together,” Khamli added.

Chingmak said, “I would like to give gratitude to NFA for given our district such a privilege to host one of the biggest tournament in our district. I am delighted as well as excited to watch all the talented players who are going to represent their respective district. I am sure that all the players will play with full potential to bring honour to their own districts but as a citizen of Tuensang. Chingmak added, “I will be cheering for my own team and hoping for my home team to perform well. He further said he believes this tournament will be a motivational factor for all the footballers to take football as their professions.

Thangty shared that it feels overwhelming to see the prestigious Dr T Ao Trophy being held in the most neglected part of the Nagaland. “I believe that in the days to come we may get more opportunities in very field to represent our area,” he added. Thangty also mentioned that “there are thousands of football lovers and fans all over the town and this tournament will open doors for the upcoming young players. It is my earnest prayer this tournament will bring out the best players from our district.”

Football player, Yongkhong, stated, “Seeing the Dr T Ao Trophy in Tuensang for the first time fills me with enthusiasm and expectation as a football fan.” He also said that the tournament is a cultural celebration that brings the people of the area together. “This tournament is more than just a sporting event it is with great honour that I participate in this legendary event, which is named after the most legendary Northeast footballer of all time”, he added.

Yongkhong further said that the event is provides a venue where players both young and talented may show off their talents and pursue their dreams of playing at a higher level. He also expressed that it represents the best of sportsmanship and local pride and a reminder of the profound impact the football legend has had on Indian football.

Beigu expressed, “It is a proud moment for the Tuensang people to host such a grand tournament. I hope this will bring us good relationship without any discrimination among our Naga brothers as the saying goes ‘games bring unity and cooperation’. I hope this tournament will bring us conscious mind about unity is strength among Naga brothers.”

Sune, President, Khiamniungan Students’ Union Tuensang (KSUT), states: “I am delighted and grateful that the tournament will be held in Tuensang and we are fortunate to be hosting such a big event in our District. It is a pleasure to be in the midst of such a tournament”

Mono said, “Football has been one of my favourite sports and it is a great privilege for our people that Dr T Ao Trophy is going be held in our district. Football is like life, it requires hard work, perseverance, sacrifice, dedication and respect. I wish the entire district the very best fortune.”