The 22nd edition of the Inter-District Football Championship Dr. T. Ao Trophy 2022 which also commemorates fifty years of Nagaland Football Association was inaugurated with a grand opening ceremony at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung on 18 April.
Organized by the Nagaland Football Association and hosted by Mokokchung District Football Association, the opening ceremony of the tournament was graced by G. Kaito Aye, Nagaland Minister of Agriculture & Cooperation as chief guest and Er. Zale Neikha, MLA & Advisor for Youth Resources & Sports as special guest.
In his speech, Kaito Aye spoke about Dr. T. Ao and how he demonstrated not only his talents and skills, but also determination, discipline, and devotion. He also urged the participants and spectators to promote brotherhood among Nagas by taking advantage of the platforms provided while stressing that “Unity of young Nagas is crucial at this juncture.”
He also said that the Nagas are talented, exceptionally gifted in arts, music and sports and the government is giving utmost priority to develop the sports sector and create opportunities and platforms for the athletes. He concluded by saying that he hopes Nagaland will produce exceptional athletes in various other fields too like Dr. T. Ao who will bring not only honor to the state, but also peace and unity.
Special guest Er. Zale Neikha in his exhortation said that Football has united people and requested every football association in Nagaland to conduct proper and timely selection, engage players all year long, and master the players in their respective positions.
MDFA President Meyisanger Lemtur welcomed everyone, including the 16 teams in his welcome address. The presidential address and golden Jubilee greetings were proposed by Neibou Sekhose, President of the NFA.
On behalf of the host district, Metsubo Jamir, Minister of Rural Development, and Shashank Pratap Singh, Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, offered salutations.
All sixteen teams representing the state’s 16 districts were present for the inaugural program which included an oath-taking ceremony. Following the formal inauguration program, the opening ceremony featured musical performances by various artists.
The much awaited Dr. T. Ao Trophy Inter District Football Championship 2022 will begin on Tuesday with the inaugural match of the tournament being played between reigning champions Phek and Dimapur of Group A, which will be followed by an encounter between Chumoukedima and Wokha of the same group. Group B teams Mon and Niuland will face each other in the third match of the day followed by a Tuensang-Kiphire faceoff.
The group stage matches will be played till April 25 featuring four matches a day. All matches will begin at 9:00 AM. Entry tickets will be available at the entrance gates at the rate of Rs.50 each.