How Mokokchung is planning to strengthen grassroots football
Mokokchung is getting serious about football again.
With the launch of nine zonal football associations under the Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) with the theme ”Football at the Grassroots,” and a renewed push for grassroots scouting, the district is making strides to rebuild its football ecosystem.
At the launch event held at Whispering Winds, Mokokchung on April 15, Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and Chairman of the District Planning and Development Board, Sharingain Longkumer said that the state government is in a transitional phase, prioritizing infrastructure development and capacity building for sports.
“Chief Minister Rio only said, ‘Encourage sports’,” Longkumer told the gathering. “The present ruling government has learnt from mistakes over the past years and therefore, have created infrastructures before launching the Nagaland Super League”.
Regretting that Mokokchung had to rely on players from other districts in recent years, Longkumer attributed this to a lack of infrastructure and systemic planning. He urged the MDFA to recalibrate its organization, form dedicated teams, and ensure the right people are in place to identify local talent.
Longkumer also assured that the ongoing Astro Turf construction at the Rempukong, Ungma will be completed soon.
“The turf is done. Just give me some time to complete the gallery and landscape. In due course, all necessary infrastructure will be in place,” he said. Longkumer added that the ground is envisioned to include a well-designed rostrum, VIP galleries, a bus terminal, amenity centers, and parking facilities. He also hinted at hosting some of the matches of the next season of NSL at venue.
Longkumer also suggested that the MDFA establish a corpus fund through a one-time registration of lifetime members in the association, expressing his desire to be one.
As earlier reported by this newspaper, the MDFA’s overhaul includes the formation of nine zonal associations: Mokokchung Municipal Zone, Ongpangkong North Zone, Ongpangkong South Zone, Kobulong Zone, Chuchuyimlang Zone, Tuli Zone, Mangkolemba Zone, Longchem Zone, and Merangmen Zone.
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According to Yimya Jamir,Executive member MDFA, in each zone, a zonal association will be formed. Jamir pointed out that the tournaments, particularly in rural areas are not played without the knowledge of MDFA and, therefore, through this overhaul, the MDFA objective is to ensure that all of it is played with the knowledge of MDFA and under its ambit.
“From those tournaments, good players will be selected and will participate in MDFA,” said Jamir. He mentioned that this was much needed as Mokokchung has spiraled down on football and is on its lowest point. “Till last year, the first eleven players representing Mokokchung in the Dr T Ao Trophy were from Kohima, Dimapur, and elsewhere,” he said.
The zonal rollout will begin with Kobulong, Mangkolemba, and Tuli zones. The remaining zones will be established in subsequent phases, with the entire process expected to be completed within the current year.
MDFA President N Akok Longkumer also admitted that Mokokchung lags behind other districts in sports. However, he expressed hope that this initiative will lead to a renaissance of footballers in the district.
