13 teams from across India participate in Nagaland’s first-ever Junior Girls National Football Championship
The Dr T Ao Junior Girls National Football Championship 2025–26 (Tier–2) was officially inaugurated today at Chümoukedima Football Stadium, marking the first time Nagaland is hosting a national football tournament. The inaugural ceremony began with an invocation by Nini Sekhose, Pastor of Garden Mission Church, Sovima, followed by the formal opening of the championship with flags hoisted and the National Anthem played.
Nagaland Chief Minister, Dr Neiphiu Rio, graced the event as the Special Guest, highlighting the historic significance of the occasion and its dedication to Dr. Talimeren Ao, India’s first football captain at the 1948 London Olympics. “This championship not only honors Dr Ao’s legacy but also celebrates the unity, strength and spirit of Indian sports through the participation of talented young players from across the nation,” he said.
Dr Rio emphasized the progress of women’s football in India, noting that the determination and confidence of young women athletes signal a promising future. He added that sports instill values such as teamwork, perseverance and discipline – qualities that rise above regional, linguistic and cultural differences and creates a sense of national unity.
He further expressed hope that hosting the championship would help Nagaland develop sporting infrastructure and attract more national and international events in the future.
Advisor for Youth Resources & Sports, S Keoshu Yimkhiung, welcomed the participating teams and officials, calling the championship a platform where young girls can showcase talent, teamwork and passion for sports. President of the Nagaland Football Association, K Neibou Sekhose, thanked the All India Football Federation for entrusting Nagaland with the tournament and lauded the Chief Minister’s support for promoting football in the state.
Following the inauguration, the opening matches saw Andaman & Nicobar face Punjab, and Nagaland take on Uttarakhand. Thirteen teams from across India are participating in the championship, which aims to inspire young athletes, promote sportsmanship, and celebrate the legacy of Dr T Ao.
Nagaland fall 1-3; Punjab win 20-0
Hosts Nagaland lost to Uttarakhand 1-3 in the second match of the tournament. Despite a superior 70% possession rate with more free kicks and corners won, Nagaland lost the crucial Group B match.
Earlier, Punjab humbled Andaman & Nicobar Islands 20-0 in a lopsided Group B match.
