Football has in a way become a part of human culture, a kind of language that enables us to express ourselves physically, emotionally and intellectually. It urges us to connect and communicate with others and work on plans. It does not discriminate on the basis of age, culture or geography. As humans, we desire for something bigger than us and football offers that opportunity to us. Millions of people the world over find their connection with football that makes the game larger than life, and it makes us connected to something bigger than us.

 

For most Naga people, football is a common topic to talk about. When two people meet for the first time and they realize that they both enjoy football, they strike a chord with each other and a new friendship is planted. That is how football impacts lives. Watching our favourite players go on a run creates excitement like not many other things in life does; watching our favourite team defend a corner in the last minute creates nervousness; watching the team we root for lose an important game creates disappointment. Such power football wields upon us. Indeed, it is the beautiful game.

 

The ongoing Dr. T. Ao Trophy Inter District Football Championship 2022 being played in Mokokchung will be remembered for a long time. The 10-day tournament has just begun but it has already created the kind of vibe, at least among the fans, that any major competitive football tournament does. If an inter-district football tournament in a small state like Nagaland can draw so much attention, one can only imagine how electrifying the environment could be when they host major international games. No wonder, nations go any distance to bet their bid to host international football competitions. Apart from the game, there is also the element of economic interests but that is a different subject altogether.

 

It is interesting to see players like Khwetelhi Thopi, Kivi Zhimomi and Lironthung Lotha playing in a tournament in Mokokchung representing their respective districts. James Kithan, busy with club duty at Gokulam Kerala, is sorely missed. So many youngsters in Mokokchung, or Nagaland for that matter, look up to players like them and to see them come play in one’s own backyard is amazing. There are so many talented local players in Nagaland and with the right kind of support and promotion, like this tournament, they can scale great heights of success.

 

This tournament happening in Mokokchung will definitely inspire many younger players and all credit goes to Nagaland Football Association and the Mokokchung District Football Association for bringing the game to town. With technology on our side, the current tournament is getting more coverage than any other sporting event ever held in Nagaland. Surely, this tournament that had just begun is making history even before it has drawn to a close. Things can only get bigger from here.

 

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