Mhasikhonuo Paunuo and Vephilu Hoshi have become the first two women from Nagaland to attain the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Category 5 (National) status as assistant referees.
The two cleared the AIFF Upgradation Practical Examination 2026, with the practical assessment held during the ongoing Dr T Ao Under-17 National Championship in Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh.
The AIFF communicated their results on Tuesday evening through S Suresh, Head of the Referees Department, confirming their upgrade to Category 5 (National) with immediate effect.
Both had earlier cleared the fitness and theory stages before appearing for the practical assessment.
Speaking to MT, Mhasi said she was “absolutely thrilled and incredibly honoured” by the achievement.
“It feels surreal to be among the first two from the state to clear the national referee examination,” she said.
She said her focus now would be on gaining more match experience, improving her officiating and working towards higher-level national tournaments.
Vephilu called the achievement a “very proud and special moment”, saying it was a great honour to be among the first two female assistant referees from Nagaland to reach the national level.
She said she hopes to officiate at higher levels, learn from experienced referees and continue improving through matches.
Vephilu, from Phek district, is a former track and field athlete who represented Nagaland in sprinting and long jump. She joined the Assam Rifles cadet under the Mahila category in 2023.
Mhasikhonuo, from Kijümetouma village in Kohima district, is a footballer who has represented Nagaland, including at the Sentinel Northeast Cup 2024.
The two began refereeing through the Kohima Town Referee Course under the guidance of Joychandra Singh, Referee Development Officer for the Northeast Zone.