The Nagaland Blind Football Team (Men) emerged as the first runners-up at the 5th Men’s & 2nd Women’s Edition of the IBFF Northeast Zonal Blind Football Tournament held at Aizawl, Mizoram from 3rd – 6th April 2024. The team lost to the Meghalaya team 0-1 in a thrilling final match.

Nagaland Blind Football Team’s Head Coach Diethozo Yoho and Assistant Coach, Kezhaleto Zecho stated that this “achievement not only highlights the team’s dedication but also the growing prominence of blind football as a sport that celebrates inclusivity and athleticism.”

They also informed that the team’s performance at the tournament has earned the Nagaland team a place in the upcoming Indian Blind Football Federation (IBFF) National Blind Football Tournament which is scheduled to take place in June 2024 at Pune, Maharashtra.

The coaches said that this prestigious national event will bring together top blind football teams from across the country, providing an opportunity for the Nagaland team to further showcase their talent at a national stage.

The team was led by Diethozo Yoho as head coach, Kezhaleto Zecho as assistant coach cum goal guide and Rongsenyanger as goalkeeper cum escort.

The Nagaland team also secured two individual awards during the event. While Rongsenyanger got the men’s best goalkeeper award, Mighito Yeptho got the men’s emerging player award.

“As the team prepare to embark on the next chapter of their journey, the Nagaland Blind Football Team remains steadfast in their determination to make the state proud and leave a lasting legacy,” the coaches affirmed.