In their preparation to host the 25th edition of the Dr T Ao Inter-District Football Championship 2026 in Mokokchung district, officials of the Nagaland Football Association (NFA), Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) and the 25th Dr T Ao Trophy Organizing Committee held their first coordination meeting on February 20 at the DC Conference Hall, Mokokchung.
The meeting focused on preparations and coordination required for the successful conduct of the inter-district championship, which is one of the most prestigious football tournaments in the state.
Later in the day, NFA officials visited Changki Village, where they held a meeting with the Changki Village Council. The meeting discussed matters related to the legacy of Dr T Ao football tournaments.
In connection with the 25th edition of the tournament, Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM) has initiated the official recognition of the playground at Impur as the Dr. T. Ao Playground, in honour of Dr Talimeren Ao. ABAM, in a communication to MDFA and NFA stated that the recognition is intended to honour the legacy of Dr T Ao.
The proposal by ABAM has been formally examined and fully endorsed by the Mokokchung District Football Association. In its endorsement letter addressed to the NFA, the MDFA stated that the Impur playground holds immense historical significance in the annals of football in Nagaland, as it is widely acknowledged as the place where Dr Talimeren Ao played during his formative years. The association noted that formally recognizing the playground as Dr T Ao Playground would serve as a fitting tribute to the iconic footballer and strengthen the historical and cultural narrative of football development in Mokokchung district and the state at large.
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The MDFA further conveyed its willingness to extend full cooperation and support, in collaboration with ABAM and the NFA, including participation in and facilitation of commemorative or exhibition football matches to mark the recognition.
As per the programme schedule, the formal declaration of the playground as Dr T Ao Playground will take place on February 21 at Impur Mission Centre. The programme will include the arrival of dignitaries and invitees, a commemoration ceremony, prayers, reflections on Dr T Ao’s legacy, and tributes. The event will be followed by an exhibition football match between ABAM XI and NFA XI.
The commemoration programme is expected to be attended by officials and members of the NFA and MDFA, representatives of Ao churches, and civil society organizations.
