Niuland’s winger Kakhevi Assumi has entered Nagaland football’s record books after becoming one of the very few players to win the Player of the Tournament award twice in the Dr T Ao Trophy, the state’s most prestigious inter-district competition.
The 26-year-old first won the accolade in Mokokchung, 2022, representing Dimapur district. Two years later, in Kohima, 2025, he repeated the feat, this time wearing the captain’s armband for Niuland.
Speaking to Mokokchung Times after the tournament, Kakhevi admitted that personal recognition was never his target. “I wasn’t really expecting it since my main objective was to win the tournament itself. But at the end, remaining consistent and the help from my teammates was the key to that individual prize. I’m overwhelmed with joy to achieve this rare feat since the Dr T Ao Trophy is regarded as Nagaland’s most prestigious football tournament,” he said.
“The Dr T Ao Trophy is quite challenging and also a good platform since we have to compete with the top players and teams from other districts.” he added.
Kakhevi was in sublime form throughout the tournament, scoring seven goals for Niuland and inspiring his team to the final. However, despite their spirited run, Niuland fell just short, losing to Mon district in a penalty shootout. Reflecting on the defeat, he was optimistic, “We gave everything from the start but at the end we just couldn’t accomplish our goal. Winning and losing is part of the game. Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose. With this thought I would like to move on and prepare well for the next without any regrets.”
Looking ahead, Kakhevi said his ambitions remain strong. “Staying fit and healthy is the key, but what’s more important is God’s grace and will. I would love to win this prestigious trophy once again,” he said. He also offered advice to aspiring footballers in the state: “Work hard and be humble. Above all, put God first. Be prepared spiritually, mentally and physically.”
Born on April 17, 1999, Kakhevi first kicked a ball while in Class Three and soon developed a deep passion for the game. His breakthrough came in 2015, when he joined the State Football Academy, Dimapur. During his stay at the State Hostel, he was selected to represent Nagaland on several occasions, which laid the foundation for his rise. He went on to represent Nagaland in the NorthEast Olympic Games in Manipur in 2016, the Northeast Dr T Ao Trophy in 2020, the National Futsal Championship in Delhi in 2021, and the Northeast Zone Santosh Trophy the same year.
At the club level, Kakhevi has turned out for Guwahati Town Club in 2017, as well as Dimapur United FC, P Vizheto FC and Chekiye United. His achievement of winning the Player of the Tournament award in two different editions of the Dr T Ao Trophy, across two different districts, makes him one of the most decorated and consistent players in recent memory.
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