In a finale befitting the grandest of stages, Mon etched their name into Dr. T Ao Trophy history with a nerve-shredding 5–4 penalty shootout victory over Niuland, after the two sides tied the scoreboard 1–1 in regulation time.

The breathtaking clash, played under the floodlights of the Indira Gandhi Stadium in front of over 28,000 roaring fans and watched by more than 1.5 lakh online viewers, will be remembered as one of the most dramatic finals in the tournament’s history.

Niuland drew first blood early, stunning the Mon faithful in the 14th minute when Kakhevi Assumi struck a perfect penalty kick, silencing half the stadium.

But champions are not crowned without resilience, and Mon roared back. In the dying moments of the first half, Mon talisman K Arap unleashed a thumping indirect free-kick strike straight home in the 45th minute, sending the Mon supporters into a frenzy and the match into a tense deadlock.

The second half was a rollercoaster — chances, near-misses, and both goalkeepers producing world-class saves. Every tackle drew gasps and every counterattack raised heartbeats. The final whistle brought no relief, only the mounting tension of the dreaded penalty shootout.

Six takers from each side stepped up. Mon converted five of their six spot-kicks, missing once. Niuland matched stride for stride until pressure took its toll — two missed penalties sealed their fate.

When Mon’s final kick hit the net, the crowd erupted in unbridled joy, players collapsing to the ground in tears of triumph.

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Earlier in the opening ceremony, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio speaking as the special guest said the 24th edition of Dr. T Ao tournament will be remembered for a long time, and it will inspire generations to carry forward the values of sportsmanship, unity and excellence in sports. He assured that the government is committed to promotion of sports and train the young talents of the state.

Deputy Commissioner Kohima, B Henok Buchem who is also the member secretary of the organising committee, acknowledged the Nagaland Football Association and all the organising committee members.

In a solemn display, NFA president K Neibou Sekhose handed over the NFA flag to the Mokokchung District Football Association, the host of the next and 25th edition of the Dr T Ao Trophy Inter-District Football Championship 2026.

Individual Awards:

Best Defender- Thejangulie Zatsu (Kohima)

Best Midfielder- Sentilong (Mokokchung)

Golden Glove- Teihom Konyak (Mon)

Golden Boot- Ayenmongba (Tuensang)

Golden Ball- Kakhevi Assumi (Niuland)