The Opening Ceremony of the 24th Inter-District Football Championship for the Dr T Ao Trophy 2025 was held on 1st August 2025 at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, with the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr Neiphiu Rio, as the Special Guest.
In his speech, Rio stated that Dr T Ao is the state’s most iconic son, who captained India’s first Olympic football team in London after Independence in 1948. He described Dr T Ao as a barefoot barrier-breaker who lives in the hearts of all Nagas. His legacy inspires the youth to dream big, and with the available facilities and support, today’s youth can achieve success through sincerity, hard work, and perseverance. He further mentioned how the trophy has evolved into an inter-district championship and is also awarded as the Northeast Trophy for the Dr T Ao Championship.
He expressed gratitude to the All India Football Federation for renaming the Junior Girls National Football Championship as the Dr T Ao National Women’s Junior Football Championship and announced that Nagaland will host this year’s tournament. He affirmed the government’s commitment to developing football and other sports disciplines, including continuous coaching for players and officials.
He added that two footballers are currently undergoing training in Thailand, and there is hope they will soon join international-level teams. He also mentioned that the government is developing AstroTurf football grounds in all districts of Nagaland, with some already completed and the rest expected to be finished soon. Additionally, futsal facilities are being developed in 28 locations, along with 31 multipurpose buildings across the districts. He announced that he would inaugurate two multipurpose buildings and 13 futsal facilities the following day, with the remaining projects to be completed as soon as possible.
He further informed that 16 footballers under the age of 20, along with their coaches, are part of the Chief Minister’s Sports Scholarship and are currently training in Meluri. Many athletes, he noted, are excelling at the national and international levels. He emphasised that sports is no longer just entertainment but a global industry valued at over six hundred million dollars. Nagaland has gained recognition through the Nagaland Super League, approved by the All India Football Federation.
Kevipodi Sophie, MLA and Convener of the Organising Committee for the 24th Dr T Ao Trophy, thanked the Special Guest, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, for his unwavering support and commitment to sports, particularly football, which continues to inspire young athletes across the state. He stated that Dr Rio’s presence at the championship reflects his dedication to nurturing talent, fostering unity, and upholding Dr T Ao’s legacy.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Minister for his leadership in building a strong sporting culture in Nagaland. He highlighted that the championship honours not just the spirit of football but also the enduring legacy of Dr T Ao, a legendary figure in Indian football history.
He recounted how Dr T Ao captained and served as the flag-bearer for India’s Olympic football team at the 1948 London Olympics. Inspired by his legacy and talent, the Nagaland government established this championship to empower youth in football, enabling them to compete at the national and international levels. He hoped the championship would exemplify fair play, team spirit, and friendship, urging players to play with heart, honour, and humility, carrying their district’s pride with grace.
Neibou Sekhose, President of the Nagaland Football Association, shared that on the suggestion of Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio, the Inter-District Football Championship was renamed the Dr T Ao Trophy in 2004, and the Northeast Fraternity Gold Cup became the Northeast Dr T Ao Trophy in 2009. The tournament was approved by the AIFF and hosted by Nagaland in 2009, with State Government sponsorship continuing to this day.
Sekhose emphasised that sports offer equal opportunities based on skill and merit, with no language barriers. On behalf of the NFA, he expressed deep gratitude to the Chief Minister for his contributions to sports, especially football.
The event began with an invocation by Rev Dr Mar Pongener, General Secretary of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council, followed by the “Hallelujah Chorus” performed by the Kohima Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship.
The ceremony also featured the unveiling and presentation of the trophy and tournament ball, along with cultural and artistic performances.
The first match was played between Kohima and Tseminyu, which the former won 3-0. The tournament is organised by the Nagaland Football Association, hosted by the Kohima District Football Association, and powered by the District Planning & Development Board, Kohima.
