Mokokchung’s Diminishing Presence in Nagaland Sports: A Reality Check

Sports in Nagaland are thriving, with major tournaments currently underway, yet Mokokchung finds itself glaringly absent from the action. Whether it is cricket, football, basketball, or futsal, the district’s representation is virtually nonexistent. This unfortunate reality demands introspection.

The recent exit of Mokokchung from the Senior Men’s Inter-District Cricket Tournament 2025 is a stark example. The team’s dismal performance against Wokha — being bowled out for just 115 runs and losing by six wickets with 26 overs to spare — raises serious concerns. Such a poor display not only reflects a lack of preparation but also a deeper issue of competitiveness. Is it better to compete and fail, or to acknowledge our shortcomings and work towards genuine improvement before stepping onto the field? Such a pathetic performance is unacceptable. Sometimes, if you are not good enough, it is better not to participate rather than to compete and face humiliating defeats of historic proportions.

Football, the most popular sport in Nagaland, paints an even bleaker picture. The Nagaland Super League (NSL), with seven teams and 140 players, barely features any players from Mokokchung. The absence of a club from the district is understandable, but the absence of even a single player or member in the support staff speaks volumes. For a place that prides itself on its sporting culture, this is an embarrassing reality.

Similarly, Mokokchung’s absence from the Nagaland U-23 National Basketball Championship teams — both men’s and women’s — further highlights the district’s decline. Not a single player attended the selection trials, or did they? This is not about skill or talent alone; it reflects a lack of ambition and commitment. How can a district expect representation when its players do not even attempt to compete?

The Nagaland Futsal Club Championship 2025 follows the same pattern — no club and no player from Mokokchung. The once-proud sporting culture of the district now seems more like a myth than reality.

It is time for a reckoning. Is Mokokchung truly serious about sports, or is it content with merely reminiscing about past glories that may never have existed? If the district hopes to reclaim any relevance in the state’s sporting landscape, radical change is needed — starting with a mindset shift, better training, planning, and a renewed commitment to excellence.

MT