MDFA to launch landmark reforms aimed at decentralizing and reviving football in Mokokchung

To introduce nine new zones to build a more inclusive football ecosystem

The Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA), since its establishment in 1992, has played a key role in promoting football in the district through sustained efforts and strategic reforms. As a longstanding driving force behind Mokokchung’s football culture, the MDFA has been instrumental in nurturing the sport at various levels.

However, in recent years, the district has witnessed a noticeable decline in representation at the state level, despite football remaining the most popular sport locally, raising concerns about the current trajectory of its development.

To address these recent challenges and reinvigorate football in the district, the MDFA has announced a major structural reorganization aimed at decentralizing governance and promoting grassroots football development across the district. This is perhaps the most ambitious reform introduced by the MDFA to date.

As part of the overhaul, the MDFA will establish nine zonal associations under its umbrella. The zones are: Mokokchung Municipal Zone, Ongpangkong North Zone, Ongpangkong South Zone, Kobulong Zone, Chuchuyimlang Zone, Tuli Zone, Mangkolemba Zone, Longchem Zone, and Merangmen Zone.

The official launch of the zonal associations will take place on April 15 under the theme “Football at the Grassroots.” The initiative will be launched by Sharingain Longkumer, Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and Chairman of the District Planning and Development Board.

According to MDFA sources, the reorganization will be carried out in phases, beginning with the formation of three zones. The remaining zones will be established in subsequent phases, with the entire process expected to be completed within the current year.

The restructuring aims to enhance administrative efficiency, nurture local football talent, and improve infrastructure across Mokokchung district. It also addresses long-standing concerns that, despite being a district association, the MDFA’s activities and representation have remained largely concentrated around the district headquarters, excluding many outlying areas. Additionally, it seeks to streamline the numerous local tournaments that have been held without official recognition.

Under the new system, each zone will cover both rural and urban areas to ensure broader participation and better management.

MDFA sources stated that the reorganization is intended to create a more inclusive and participatory football ecosystem, with a focus on reaching players and clubs across the district.

The proposed MDFA zones

Mokokchung Municipal Zone: All wards under Mokokchung municipality

Ongpangkong North Zone: Longmisa, Chuchuyimpang, Mokokchung village, Ungma, Longsa, Chubayimkum, Meyulong, Moalenden, Settsu, Kubza.

Ongpang South Zone: Khensa, Chungtia, Sapangya, Aliba, Kinunger, Mekuli, Mamgmetong, Satsu, Longkhum, Alichen, Longjongkong.

Kobulong Zone: Mopungchuket, Sungratsu, Longjang, Longpha, Chami, Kobulong, Yisemyong, Yimchalu, Khanimu.

Changtongya Zone: Mongsenyimti, Chuchuyimlang, Chakpa, Salulamang, Longkong, Yaongyimti old, Yaongyimti New, Yaongyimsen, Changtongya Old, Changtongya New, Changtongya Town, Akhoya, Unger, Liroyim, Nukshiyim.

Tuli Zone: Merangkong, Anaki, Kangtsung, Wameken, Asangma, Kilengmen, Anakiyimsen, Anaki’C’, Aopenzu, Kangtsungyimsen, Chubarongpang. Tuli Town, Tsudikong.

Longchem Zone: Lakhuni, Yajang ‘A’, Yajang ‘B’, Yajang ‘C’, Lirmen, Aonokpu,  Saringyim, Changdang, Tsuremen, Akumen, Nokpu, Lizo, Alongtaki, Longchem.

Mangkolemba Zone: Changki, Chungliyimsen, Khar, Aputani, Japu, Longjemdang, Satsukba, Shahaphumi, Merayim, Mongchen, Dibuia, Waromong, Yimchenkimong, Molungkimong, Molungyimsen, Luyong, Mangkolemba.

Merangmen Zone: Aokum, Aosungkum, Medemyim, Aosenden, Longpayimsen, Watiyim, Moayimti, Chungtiayimsen, Vikuto Merangmen.

MT