The Dr. T Ao Trophy XXII Inter-District Football Tournament organized by Nagaland Football Association and hosted by Mokokchung District Football Association came to an end after 11 days of entertaining football matches at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung on Friday April 29.
Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio graced the closing ceremony wherein he said, “football and sports unifies all kind of people; different nations, different races, to come under one roof” while adding that it also inculcates discipline and team spirit.
Rio also said that the Government has come up with various policies regarding sports and is undertaking and trying to build sports infrastructures in all the districts of Nagaland, while stressing that it will help the youth of the state to create a career in sports whist helping them represent the state in bigger platforms.
The Chief Minister also expressed his aspiration to bid for hosting the National Games in the near future. While appreciating all the participants and stakeholders, Rio also promised an undeclared amount of financial assistance to NFA, MDFA and the two finalists.
Astro Turf for Mokokchung: Tongpang Ozukum, Nagaland Minister of PWD (Housing& Mechanical) in a short speech confirmed of an upcoming Astro-Turf football ground at Ungma while adding that people of Mokokchung should make use of the recently inaugurated Khelo India Academy for Badminton and Shooting in Mokokchung. “We are thankful to the honorable Chief Minister for allotting us an astro turf football ground which is coming up at Ungma. So, like other districts, football players in Mokokchung will also very shortly get the opportunity to play in world class football pitch,” he declared.
Unity in Purpose: Tongpang Ozukum also took the opportunity to urge upon the apex Ao Senden and Changki Ayim Asem to forgive each other and reconcile. “Ao community is incomplete without any group of people or a village whether big or small; unlike our forefathers, the present generation cannot write our history without each other. The biggest achievement for Ao community in hosting this trophy will be finding the path of Unity and Oneness amongst us once again,” he appealed.
A Wake Up Call: As chairman of the DPDB, Tongpang Ozukum said he was aware of the constructive suggestions, advice, opinions, support and even certain emotions of the people when it comes to the sports infrastructure in Mokokchung district and also the performance of the home team.
“I agree to all to all of you. So, what now? Are we going to remain here or move ahead?” he questioned, and added, “I think it is time to look forward and march ahead. In the past, Mokokchung used to produce many talented sports person but where do we stand now? Is it not time to bring back the lost glory? Yes, it is time,” he remarked. “Therefore, this tournament should be a wake-up call to me, to you and to Ao people. Let us stop thinking and dreaming to be the first but let us strive to be the best,” he exhorted.
A Promise for Women’s Football: A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed between Mokokchung District Football Association represented by its President, Meyisanger Lemtur and Watsü Mungdang represented by its President Arenla Longkumer in the presence of Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio.
The agreement was for the first ever Women’s Football Championship in Nagaland to be organized by the Watsü Mungdang in commemoration of 75th Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and to promote the Girl Child Welfare which incorporates under the campaign ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ and to uplift women’s football in the state.
The MoA stated that the Mokokchung District Football Association would offer assistance to the organizers Watsü Mungdang in all technical aspects free of cost for the next three years till 2025.
10,000 Spectators: Colo Mero, vice president of the Nagaland Football Association estimated that there were more than 10,000 spectators at Imkongmeren Sports Complex while more than 44,000 fans watched the final match online. It may be mentioned that the tournament was for the first time telecast online with live commentary via SportsCast India.
Free Entry: Nagaland Minister for RD, Metsübo Jamir had the night before the final announced that he would sponsor all the entry tickets to the final match at Imkongmeren Sports Complex. The tickets were priced at Rs.50/- each. Convener of the organizing committee, Merentoshi R Jamir had acknowledged the minister’s offer.
Earlier during the program, Kiyeka S.Sumi, Vice President, Nagaland Football Association greeted the people while Merentoshi R.Jamir, Convenor, Planning and Organizing Committee delivered the vote of thanks.
Other highlights of the closing function included euphonious voices of the Children’s Choir, Kumlong Baptist Church; Liju Achumi, Winner of The Stage Nagaland Season 2; and Sunep Lemtur & Chechamo Odyuo while Unity Dance Crew paid tribute to the theme ‘sportsmanship’ with a dance performance.