Mokokchung has been entrusted with hosting the 25th Dr T Ao Trophy in 2026, a symbolic homecoming for Nagaland’s most prestigious football championship named after the legendary son of the district, Dr Talimeren Ao.
The announcement was made Friday night during the closing ceremony of the 24th edition in Kohima, where Mon lifted its maiden trophy against Niuland.
Speaking to MT, NFA general secretary and MLA Benei Lamthiu confirmed that the next edition will be held in Mokokchung. He said the NFA Executive Body had met earlier, during which the decision was made. While other districts had also expressed interest in hosting, he said the association took “certain things into consideration” before arriving at the decision.
“Dr T Ao being a son of the soil of Mokokchung, we took that into consideration. We thought Mokokchung deserved another chance. They have done well in 2022 but in order to make sure the legacy continues in his own land; we have decided that this will be held in Mokokchung,” said Lamthiu.
To mark the occasion, the Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) held a ceremonial flag blessing at its office chamber on Saturday.
MDFA president N Akok Longkumer expressed gratitude to the NFA for entrusting Mokokchung with hosting the silver jubilee edition.
“We are grateful to the Nagaland Football Association for honouring one of the sons of our district for the past 25 years. That they found it deserving for MDFA to host the silver jubilee edition is not only an opportunity, but also a responsibility and a privilege,” he told MT.
Mokokchung last hosted the tournament in 2022.
Former MDFA general secretary Imkongsunep, delivering an exhortation at the program, said it was befitting that the 25th edition be held in Dr T Ao’s home district. He expressed hope that the unfinished works at the astroturf football ground would be completed in time with the support of all concerned.
Reflecting on Mokokchung’s footballing legacy, he noted that the district was once a powerhouse but had declined due to a combination of factors, not a lack of talent. Football has been regaining traction in Mokokchung in recent years, and the fact that Mokokchung reached the semifinals this year proves the district is improving in the game, he said.
On sponsorship, he suggested exploring a model where each player could be supported individually, easing the burden on team management.
Longkumer, speaking to MT, informed that the 25th edition will be hosted at the FIFA-grade astroturf ground at Rempukong, Ungma. “We are 100% sure the construction will be completed. We have met the respective officials and they have ascertained that we can expect it by May or June,” he said.
The MDFA also felicitated Sentilong, who was awarded Best Midfielder in the recently concluded 24th edition. The NFA flag was consecrated by Rev Ngangnen Longkumer, pastor of Alempang Baptist Arogo.
Looking ahead, team manager Yimya Jamir said they had learned valuable lessons from the tournament. “The key takeaway is to pay more attention to players’ discipline and conduct,” he told MT.
With the MDFA Trophy coming up in October, he expressed confidence that the competition would help the players progress further in preparation for 2026.