The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) has acknowledged the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announcement in rechristening the Junior Girls’ National Championship as the “Dr. Talimeren Ao National Football Championship for Junior Girls”, in recognition of the pioneering role, achievements and contributions as the Captain of the Indian football team who was also the flag bearer of the Indian contingent at the London Olympic games in 1948.

“The NDPP is deeply grateful to the AIFF under the leadership of Mr. Kalyan Chaubey, the President of the AIFF for this honor conferred on the legendary “Barefoot Warrior”, Dr. T. Ao. The NDPP also applauds and appreciates the initiatives and contributions made by the Government of Nagaland led by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Mr. Neiphiu Rio and the Nagaland Football Association (NFA) under the leadership of its President and Executive Member of the AIFF, Mr. Neibu Sekhose for making this possible,” stated a press release issued by NDPP Media & Communication Committee.

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The NDPP also extended gratitude to the Government of Nagaland under the leadership of the Chief Minister honoring the memory of Nagaland’s first Olympian and Captain of the Indian football team by establishing the following:

-Instituting and naming the States highest sports award as the “Dr. T. Ao State Sports Award”.

-Laying the foundation for the establishment of the Dr. T. Ao Football Academy.

-⁠Naming the premier inter-district football tournament as Dr. T. Ao Inter-District Football Trophy.

-Initiating the first Dr. T. Ao North East Football Championships hosted in Nagaland which is now a regular annual event.

-Commemoration of Dr. T. Ao’s 100th birth anniversary by organizing a year long program, culminating in the Dr. T. Ao Memorial Lecture at the Raj Bhawan in Kohima delivered by Mr. Bhaichung Bhutia, another legend and former Captain of the Indian football team.

-Publication of a coffee table book along with a production of a documentary on the life and achievements of Dr. T. Ao.

While the National level acknowledgement of the achievements and contributions of the former Captain of the Indian football team has been long overdue, the decision and announcement of the present team of the AIFF will now ensure that the name and memory of Dr. T. Ao will forever be remembered and that his achievements will continue to inspire the present and future generation of sportspersons of Nagaland as well as the Country, expressed the party.