Impur playground was formally renamed Dr T Ao Ground on February 21 in a commemorative program themed “Where Legends Begin,” honouring the legacy of India’s first Olympic football captain, Dr T Ao.
The event began with an opening presentation on the formative years of Dr T Ao at Impur Mission Centre, performed by students of Impur Christian Hospital School of Nursing and Impur Bible Seminary. The program featured tribute speeches by Neibu Sekhose, President of the Nagaland Football Association; Anthony Ngullie, IAS, President of the Nagaland Veteran Football Association; Imtipokyim, General Secretary of the Ao Senden; and N Akok Longkumer, President of the MDFA. A special tribute song composed in honour of Dr T Ao was presented by Impur residents.
The commemorative plaque was unveiled by Neibou Sekhose in the presence of Anthony Ngullie and Rev Temsü Jamir, Executive Secretary of ABAM, who also offered the dedicatory prayer.
RECAP | Impur playground to be renamed after India’s first football captain Dr T Ao
An exhibition match between NFA XI and ABAM XI ended in a 1 to 1 draw. Dr Alemzüngba of Impur Christian Hospital scored in the first half for ABAM XI, while Neibou Sekhose equalized for NFA XI in the second half.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of Mokokchung, Kohima and Tseminyu district football associations, district officials, churches under ABAM, Ao Senden, Asetkong Mungdang, Changki Yimten, and Talikokchang, the eldest son of Dr T Ao.
ABAM ES reflects on Dr T Ao’s legacy
In his legacy address, Rev Temsü Jamir, Executive Secretary of ABAM, said Dr T Ao was born in 1918 in Changki Village and spent his formative years at Impur Mission School, now Clark Memorial Higher Secondary School. His family moved to Impur following his father’s missionary calling, where his journey began.
“This very place, Impur Mission School, known today as Clark Memorial Higher Secondary School, became the cradle where discipline, resilience, leadership, and excellence were nurtured in a young boy who would one day lead India on the world stage,” he said. He added that Dr T Ao’s life continues to inspire generations.
“Dr T Ao’s life reminds us that greatness is not born in privilege, but in perseverance; not in comfort, but in conviction,” he said.
Faith and sports collaboration
ABAM Youth Secretary Butesen Ozukum told Mokokchung Times that the commemoration of the Dr T Ao Ground at Impur is aimed at honouring the enduring legacy of Dr T Ao and recognising Impur as the cradle of his football journey. “Through this event, we want to reinstate the story of T Ao and remind younger generations that greatness can still come out of our soil,” he said.
He added that Dr T Ao’s journey from Impur serves as a compelling reminder of the transformative role that education, faith, and sports can play in shaping a person’s life. He expressed confidence that faith-based institutions and sporting fraternities can continue to collaborate meaningfully to nurture individuals and contribute to the holistic transformation of communities.
“ABAM is willing to extend our hand and collaborate, in whatever ways possible, with the sports fraternities. This is just the beginning of so many opportunities for us ahead,” he added.
About the playground
According to records, the present playground was originally a swampland before the establishment of Impur Mission Centre in 1894 by American missionary Dr EW Clark. The area was known as Tsütemlenten by the Mopungchuket villagers until it was renamed Impur by Dr Clark, which means ‘founder.’
The playground has undergone several renovations over the years. Although it was not initially designed as a standard football ground, it has continued to serve the community effectively.
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Ahead of the commemoration event, the Mokokchung District Football Association technical team visited the site to make necessary arrangements for the ABAM-NFA exhibition match. The team reportedly observed that, with minor adjustments, a ‘minimum standard size’ football ground measuring 100 x 64 metres could be accommodated within the existing area.
While ABAM has not sought government assistance, it is learnt that there are plans to lay Astroturf at the newly renamed Dr T Ao Ground in the future.
