The 5th Nagaland Futsal Club Championship 2026 got underway on Thursday at Riga Astro Turf, New Terogvunyu, Tseminyu.

Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Chairman of IDAN and Secretary General of the Nagaland Olympic Association, Abu Metha underscored the transformative power of sports, stating that futsal and football have the potential to create opportunities, inspire dreams and place Nagaland on the national and international sporting map.

In his inaugural address, Metha congratulated the Football Association Tseminyu District (FATD), the district administration and the people of Tseminyu for successfully hosting their first-ever state-level football championship.

Congratulating the people of Tseminyu, he described the occasion as a historic milestone for the district. He said hosting a state-level championship was not merely about organising a sporting event but reflected the district’s confidence and capability.

“This championship will become part of Tseminyu’s history. Years from now, people will remember that this was the first state-level sporting event hosted by the district,” he said.

Referring to Tseminyu’s performance in the Nagaland Olympic and Paralympic Games after becoming a separate district, he recalled how the district’s football team reached the finals and generated tremendous enthusiasm, expressing confidence that the district would continue to scale greater heights in sports.

“Football creates equality. On the field, nations big and small compete as equals. The language of football is excellence, discipline and success,” he remarked.

Highlighting the significance of the championship, he said the winning team would represent Nagaland at the National Futsal Championship, opening doors for talented players to earn national recognition and potentially represent India internationally.

Metha urged young footballers to believe in their dreams but reminded them that success is achieved only through dedication and relentless hard work.

He also stressed that football is much more than the players on the field, describing it as a global industry that creates careers for referees, technical officials, coaches, photographers, journalists, organisers and many others.

Highlighting the State Government’s commitment to sports infrastructure under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Metha said efforts are underway to ensure every district and subdivision has futsal facilities.

Responding to the request for an astro turf football ground in Tseminyu, he revealed that discussions had already been held with the Chief Minister and that Tseminyu, as a full-fledged district, has a legitimate claim for an astro turf ground. He said the district administration has been asked to identify a suitable site so that the project can be taken up at the earliest.

Metha also commended MLA Ar Jwenga Seb for his developmental initiatives, describing him as a young, dynamic and capable leader committed to the district’s progress.

Concluding his address, he encouraged the people of Tseminyu to continue hosting major sporting events, expressing hope that the district would one day host national and even international competitions.

Addressing the inaugural programme Chief Host and MLA of Tseminyu, Ar Jwenga Seb acknowledged the progressive leadership of Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, stating that the government’s vision for a stronger, dynamic and forward-looking Nagaland is evident through its growing emphasis on sports, youth empowerment and talent development.

He said sporting events such as the state futsal championship are more than competitions but platforms that build confidence, nurture talent and create opportunities for young people to pursue their dreams and excel.

“While we may lack grandeur, we promise to make up for it with warmth, sincerity and heartfelt hospitality. We have a strong community spirit, a deep love for the game and a genuine desire to welcome every team, official and guest with open hearts,” he said.

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Seb described the championship as a celebration of sportsmanship, youth, discipline, teamwork and community spirit. He said the tournament provides an opportunity for athletes to showcase their abilities, learn from one another and strengthen friendships while carrying forward the spirit of football with pride and determination.

He also noted the significance of the tournament being held at a time when the global sporting community is celebrating the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026. He said futsal, with its fast-paced and highly technical nature, teaches players to think quickly, work together, remain disciplined and face challenges with courage, adding that the sport develops not only skills but also character.

Extending his best wishes to the participating teams, Seb urged players to compete with passion, discipline and respect, emphasising that while victory is important, sportsmanship, friendship and mutual respect remain the greatest achievements.

Highlighting the need to strengthen sports infrastructure in the district, Seb appealed to the Nagaland Football Association to consider installing an 11-a-side astro turf football field at Tseminyu Local Ground to further promote football and provide better facilities for aspiring athletes.

President of the Nagaland Football Association (NFA), K Neibou Sekhose also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Football Association Tseminyu District (FATD) for accepting the responsibility of hosting the championship despite being only three years old as an association.

He said the state championship brings together players, officials and football enthusiasts from across Nagaland, fostering unity while helping produce a new generation of talented sportspersons.

“The Nagaland Futsal Club Championship isn’t just a tournament; it is Nagaland’s talent census, career factory and a statement to India that the future of Indian football has a Naga accent,” Sekhose remarked.

Emphasising the importance of the sport, he said futsal should not be viewed as “mini football” but as the “school of football,” adding that for a hilly state like Nagaland, futsal offers the most practical pathway to develop players, build professional careers and strengthen football culture.

He further highlighted that the champions of the tournament would earn direct qualification to represent Nagaland at the National Futsal Championship, providing local players with an opportunity to compete and shine on the national stage.

The tournament champions will receive a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, while the runners-up will be awarded Rs 50,000.

A total of ten teams are participating in the championship, which is being conducted in a league-cum-knockout format.

Group A features RN Boys FC (Dimapur), Vanguard Academy (Tseminyu), Aphuyemi FC (Zunheboto), Vanguard FC (Tseminyu) and TRS FC (Tuensang).

Group B comprises Aspirants FC (Kohima), Ipuing FC (Peren), SC Nagaland (Mon), Legacy FC (Wokha) and CTYC (Chümoukedima).

The opening match of the championship witnessed an exciting contest between Vanguard FC, Tseminyu, and RN Boys FC, Dimapur, with the hosts securing a narrow 3-2 victory to register the first win of the tournament.

The inaugural programme was chaired by FATD President Benlo Thyu. The invocation was offered by Rev Haiwalo Apon, Executive Secretary of the Council of Rengma Baptist Churches (CRBC), while Deputy Commissioner of Tseminyu and Convenor of the Local Organising Committee, Japheth Woch, NCS, delivered the welcome address.

The programme also featured a special cultural presentation by Baptist Higher Secondary School, Tseminyu, in collaboration with TAFMA Tseminyu, adding colour to the opening ceremony.