Nagaland Football Association (NFA) on Friday conducted the draw of fixtures for the 5th Nagaland Futsal Club Championship 2026, which would be hosted by the Football Association Tseminyu District (FATD) from June 18 to 21 at Riga Turf, New Terogvunyu Village, Tseminyu.

Addressing a press conference at the NFA Office in Kohima, NFA President, K Neibou Sekhose described the championship as the fifth edition of the state-level futsal tournament as well as a national qualifier competition.

He noted that futsal is rapidly gaining popularity across Nagaland and termed it the “school for football,” where players develop their technical skills and game awareness. Sekhose expressed gratitude to the State Government for constructing futsal grounds across various districts, enabling tournaments to be organised in different parts of the state.

He lauded the Football Association Tseminyu District for coming forward to host the championship, stating that it would be the first time Tseminyu district hosts a state-level football tournament. According to him, preparations are progressing swiftly and in line with NFA requirements.

Sekhose said the championship is more than a football event, as it serves to bring together the youth of Nagaland and showcase Naga unity to the wider world. He informed that all matches will be telecast, allowing football enthusiasts across the state and beyond to follow the competition.

Highlighting opportunities for players, he stated that participants’ names would be registered under the All India Football Federation (AIFF), enabling them to receive invitations for trials and selections at the national level. He recalled that seven girls from Nagaland were called up for national trials in 2024, although they could not attend, while two Naga boys attended national-level trials last year.

“Today we have conducted the draw of fixtures in a transparent manner so that no team has any grievances or doubts regarding the organisation,” he said.

The tournament will follow a league-cum-knockout format featuring 10 teams. The champions would receive a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, while the runners-up will be awarded ₹50,000.

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Sekhose also reiterated that futsal, football fall under the jurisdiction of the AIFF and affiliated football associations. He warned that participation in unauthorised tournaments could invite disciplinary action, including possible bans on players, coaches and referees, in accordance with AIFF regulations and Supreme Court directives governing football administration.

Responding to queries regarding the recent reported sale of alcohol during a sporting event in Dimapur, the NFA President stated that neither the association nor the organisers were aware of the incident. He termed it unfortunate and said the matter is currently under investigation by various agencies. He assured that measures would be taken to prevent such occurrences in future tournaments.

Meanwhile, FATD Technical Director Hethanglo Kath thanked the NFA for entrusting the young district with the responsibility of hosting the championship.

“We are trying our best and will give our best,” he said, while inviting district football associations and football fans to attend the event and witness some of the finest futsal talent in the state.

Chenonlo Woch, Joint Secretary, NFA also explained that this year’s championship introduced a new qualification system, making it mandatory for district football associations to organise district-level futsal championships before being allotted slots in the state championship. Eight districts successfully conducted their tournaments and qualified teams for the state event.

In addition, defending champions Aphuyemi FC, who represented Nagaland at the national level last year, secured direct entry. To complete the 10-team roster, the host district was granted an additional slot for the runner-up of its district championship.

Woch mentioned that the championship will feature two groups of five teams each. Teams would compete in a league phase before the top sides advance to the semi-finals and final.

The inaugural programme would be held on June 18 at 3 pm. Secretary General of the Nagaland Olympic Association and Advisor to the Chief Minister, Abu Metha would attend as the special guest, while MLA and Chairman of DPDB Tseminyu, Jwenga Seb, would be the chief host.

Group A comprises RN Boys FC (Dimapur), Vanguard Academy (Tseminyu), Aphuyemi FC (Zunheboto), Vanguard FC (Tseminyu) and TRS FC (Tuensang).

Group B consists of Aspirants FC (Kohima), Ipuing FC (Peren), SC Nagaland (Mon), Legacy FC (Wokha) and CTYC (Chümoukedima).

The winners of the championship would earn the right to represent Nagaland at the national futsal championship, providing a major platform for local players to showcase their talents at the national stage.