The Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) today flagged off its publicity campaign for the 25th Silver Jubilee Dr T Ao Trophy, Inter-District Football Championship 2026 at the Commissioner’s Guest House, Mokokchung.

The campaign was flagged off by Temjenmenba, MLA & Advisor, Transport and Technical Education, Government of Nagaland and Convenor of the 25th Dr T Ao Trophy Organising Committee.

The 25th edition of Nagaland’s premier football tournament will be hosted by MDFA from October 12 to 31, 2026 at the Renpu Lu Astro Turf Ground, Ungma, Mokokchung. The edition is being celebrated as a silver jubilee and a homecoming to the birthplace of legendary Dr. Talimeren Ao, India’s first Olympic football captain at the 1948 London Olympics.

Addressing the flag-off, Temjenmenba said the tournament is more than a competition  it is a celebration of identity and legacy. He said preparations are in full swing under his convenorship and under Secretary Imsongmeren Imsong, Director, Nagaland State Lotteries, with various sub-committees already formed and working actively.

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As part of the publicity drive, MDFA had invited the Taxi Union Mokokchung and Scooty Taxi Union Mokokchung to participate.

The campaign aims to create mass awareness and extend support for the successful conduct of the championship across Mokokchung district. The branded taxi vehicles will carry the tournament posters, mascot ‘Orija’ – a symbolic cultural name from Changki, the native village of Dr T Ao – and promotional materials.

The tournament was launched earlier with a poster unveiling ceremony at Hotel Japfü, Kohima and at Koridang Futsal Ground, Ungma, chaired by MDFA President with Convenor Temjenmenba, Secretary Imsongmeren and NFA Vice President Meyisanger Lemtur in attendance.

The publicity caravan flagged off today will move across Mokokchung town and adjoining areas in the coming days.