Euphoria in Mon: A trophy after 23 years feels like a World Cup — and it’s beautiful

For Mon district, football is not just a sport — it is now part of their identity. On August 15, when the Mon district team finally lifted the 24th Dr T Ao Trophy at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, ending a 23-year wait, the victory became more than just a sporting triumph. It was celebrated as a historic moment for the district, one that united villages, institutions, and generations of players and fans.

Celebrations have echoed across the district since the win, and they are set to culminate with a thanksgiving program at the Public Local Ground, Mon HQ, on August 18.

In recognition of the moment, Deputy Commissioner of Mon, Wennyei Konyak, issued a notification declaring, “all schools (both Government and Private) under Mon Town HQ shall remain closed on 18th August 2025 (Monday) in recognition of the victory of the Mon District Men’s Football Team in winning the T. Ao Trophy 24th Inter-District Football Championship 2025.”

The directive further asked that students take part in the thanksgiving program. Speaking to Mokokchung Times, DC Wennyei clarified, “It was an appeal made to the schools and not an imposition. The institutions are allowed to choose on their own.”

Explaining the decision, he added, “After the celebration program, they are going to parade the whole town and during that time, the school institutions will be disrupted. Moreover, the entire public in the district would love to be a part of it.”

According to the DC, the trophy carries historic importance. “Football is more than a sport here — it runs in our blood,” he said. “For years, Mon reached the semi-finals or finished as runners-up. We always hoped for the trophy, and now, after 23 years, we finally have it. The passion is not only among the children or youth, but even the elderly share it.”

Highlighting the significance of the win for the Konyaks, he said, “Yes, we have had many players representing the state or playing in Durand Cup and so on. But as Konyaks, this is the first ever trophy for the Konyak Nagas so, it is a momentous occasion. It feels like winning the World Cup.”

Beyond the celebrations, he also saw the win as an inspiration for the future. “At the same time, it feels like an eye opener for sports personalities. It shows that sports is an industry. With sports, we have scope. Even after you retire, you can still be a manager, a coach etc. This is a new beginning and it is going to encourage a lot of young people,” the DC added.

Temwang, President of the Konyak Students’ Union, said the district views the victory as a collective achievement.

“It is a district celebration. All individuals would wish to participate in it, so we are going to follow the instruction,” he told MT.

For him, the passion for football among the Konyaks runs deep. “We are like the ‘Brazil of Nagaland’ in terms of the craze we have for football,” he said. “Football is not just a game but it is for all — old and young.”

He pointed out that the love for the sport cuts across generations. “People watch the game from the fields and even old people watch matches late at night, including the Premier League, Champions League, La Liga, etc. We even have a women’s team,” Temwang said.

According to him, football binds the community together. “We have futsal tournaments in every school, there is an inter-ward tournament, and also football tournaments in every village. Almost all students’ unions organize football events. Football is one where everyone comes together.”

The euphoria was not limited to Mon town alone. Celebrations echoed across Konyak areas, Mon district and beyond, with organisations also joining in to honor the achievement.

In a message, the Eastern Konyak Union, Myanmar (EKUM), also extended their heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the Eastern Konyak young and old.

For Mon, this long-awaited win has turned into something larger than a trophy. It is a celebration of identity, unity, and passion — a reminder that football, for the Konyaks, truly runs in their blood.

The tournament traces its roots to 1976, when the Inter-District Football Championship was launched to promote grassroots competition. In 2004, it was renamed the Dr. T. Ao Trophy to honour Dr. Talimeren Ao, Nagaland’s pioneering Olympian and the first captain of independent India’s football team at the 1948 London Olympics.

MT