That, Mokokchung loves football is an understatement. Mokokchung is crazy for football. As such, there is no dearth of opinion when it comes to discussing the game here. In fact, so much has been said and talked about the status of football infrastructure in Mokokchung and we know where we are lacking behind. It is also a known fact that the government has a lot to do in developing the infrastructure and framing relevant sports policies. The recent Dr. T Ao Trophy Inter District Football Championship played in our backyard has also revealed a lot about our deficits both in terms of infrastructure as well as in talent. Nonetheless, it also has shown us the opportunities. It is undoubtedly clear that football has a huge following in Mokokchung as well as Nagaland and it will only grow bigger in the future. Thus, it is hoped that the game will, in time, become an industry of its own in the real sense of the term.
As the governing body of football in the district, the MDFA is expected to live up to the expectations of the huge number of football enthusiasts in Mokokchung. Yes, there are limitations but there are also equal numbers of opportunities. Given the fact that football is a game that has the power to unite people and even bring about social change and transformation, it would augur well for the governing body to step up and grasp the opportunities. Apart from pursuing customary relations with the NFA or the government, it will be of much benefit for both the association and the game if MDFA would build strong relations with the community at large. Without community support and participation, it will be very difficult for MDFA or any sporting association for that matter to actually thrive.
Insofar as football is concerned, one among the myriad factors involved in its promotion is that the game should be promoted from the grassroots level. Fortunately, the Mokokchung Town Baptist Church has come forward to organize and sponsor an All India Football Federation D-Certificate Course in Mokokchung. We need coaches at the grassroots if we are really serious about producing real talents and taking the game a notch higher. This initiative of MTBA is expected to do just that. In the meantime, we should already be planning for producing a number of certified coaches too. Without coaches at the grassroots level, it will be difficult to identify, train and produce future talents. That being said, it must be remembered that football should be promoted as a culture and we need to define a football culture of our own, one that is beautiful. Discipline, respect, passion and sportsmanship should define our football culture. If we can do that, the rest will all fall in place in due course of time. In conclusion, we need to appreciate MTBA for coming forward and collaborating with MDFA/NFA in promoting the game. Let this be the beginning of a new football culture in Mokokchung.