Nagaland’s first-ever Under-15 Futsal Tournament, organized by Kichutip Sporting Association (KSA) under the aegis of Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA), was officially kicked off on July 1 at Mujabi Futsal Turf Mokokchung.
Lanuchuba Imchen, president of Longterok FC and councilor Dimapur Municipal Council, graced the event as the guest of honour.
Imchen announced that Longterok FC is planning to establish a football academy dedicated to nurturing young talent in the region. The academy will offer structured training and development pathways for aspiring players committed to the sport.
Speaking at the opening of the U-15 Futsal Tournament, Imchen acknowledged the efforts of the KSA and MDFA in promoting grassroots football. He emphasized the importance of regular competitive tournaments to keep young players engaged and help them progress to district and state levels.
Raising concerns over the declining presence of Ao players in the Nagaland state football team, Imchen urged the MDFA and community leaders to take action to revive participation and ensure that deserving players are identified and supported.
He highlighted Longterok FC’s commitment to contributing to the football ecosystem, noting that the relatively new club had already proven its competitiveness against top teams like Barak FC despite limited resources and preparation. The club plans to strengthen its collaboration with the Nagaland Football Association.
Longterok FC also pledged to support promising players by offering career guidance and linking them with clubs across India to help them pursue opportunities beyond the state.
MDFA president N Akok Longkumer, in his short speech lauded Kichutip Sporting Association for organizing the tourney for young players. He emphasized the importance of sustaining the tournament annually, beyond just a one-time jubilee celebration, and encouraged KSA to turn it into a long-term commitment for youth development.
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Longkumer assured MDFA’s continued support for such grassroots initiatives and stressed the need to work together to nurture young talents. Highlighting the growing scope of sports, he said, “Sports today is like an industry — it changes lives and sustains livelihoods.”
He noted the success of the recently launched Nagaland Super League (NSL) and said that the Ao community also has 12 to 13 promising players, urging the need to aim for titles.
He acknowledged KSA’s grassroots-level effort through this tournament and mentioned MDFA’s own “Football at the Grassroots” program being implemented across eight zonal associations, including the Municipal Zone where Kichutip Ward falls. Encouraging players to draw inspiration from national icons, he reminded them that football has deep roots in Ao history, referencing the community’s past representation in the Olympics. He concluded by urging players to uphold dedication, determination, and discipline, and to compete with sportsmanship — noting that not all teams may win, but every player can grow.
KSA president Imtichiba Kichu in his address shared the significance of the tournament which is being organized in commemoration of KSA’s Silver Jubilee year in 2023. Encouraging all young participants, Kichu urged them to compete with discipline, knowledge, and sportsmanship.
He also took the opportunity to acknowledge the generous support of the official sponsors — NI Enterprise and Longterok Football Club — along with numerous event partners, the organizing committee, sub-committees, and volunteers. Expressing heartfelt gratitude to all well-wishers and spectators, Kichu expressed hope that the tournament would be a success.
Short speeches were delivered by Sentiwapang, executive member of the Kichutip Ward Council; and S Bendang Longkumer, chairman of the Salangtem Ward Council.
The tournament is being sponsored by NI Enterprise and Longterok Football Club, with Nagaland Tribune as the official media partner and various other event partners.
The tournament features a prize pool of ₹80,000, which includes rewards for team winners as well as three individual awards for exceptional player performances.
A total of 32 teams from around the state is competing in the tournament. The tournament is hosted across two venues — the Mojabi Futsal Turf Ground in Salangtem Ward and the Alempang Turf Ground in Alempang Ward of Mokokchung town with matches scheduled from morning till late evening at both grounds.
In the opening match, Revenant FC outclassed United Football Club with 8–0 victory. Yha OL, Thongo and Imsujungba scored two goals each, while Prem added one.
In the second match, Evergreen Club defeated Starters 4–2, led by Hengoulen’s four goals and one from N. Puchai. Kalsar and Moasangtep scored a goal each for Starters.
