Nagaland Football Association wins national honour for pioneering Nagaland Super League

The Nagaland Football Association (NFA) has been conferred the Special Award for ‘Member Association Launching New Projects’ at the AIFF Annual Awards for the 2024–25 season, held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha May 2.

According to a press release from the Nagaland Super League, this accolade, which is shared with the Kerala Football Association, “is a national recognition of the NFA’s bold strides in football development, with the launch and success of the Nagaland Super League serving as the defining achievement.”

A defining milestone for football in Nagaland, the NSL made its debut in 2025 with seven teams competing across the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima and the newly inaugurated Chümoukedima Football Stadium. Designed to elevate high-performance football in the state, the league culminated in a thrilling final, where Barak FC defeated Longterok FC 3-1 to become the inaugural champions.

“This award is not just a milestone for the NFA—it is a celebration of the entire Nagaland football family,” the NFA stated. “From grassroots mentors to league officials, passionate fans to young players chasing their dreams, this recognition belongs to everyone who believes in the power of football to transform Nagaland,” it added.

The NFA also acknowledged the crucial role played by the Nagaland Olympic Association in supporting the state’s sporting ecosystem, as well as the players, clubs, coaches, referees, volunteers, sponsors, and fans whose collective commitment has driven the NSL forward.

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“As the competitive face of the NFA’s broader vision, the Nagaland Super League is honoured to be at the forefront of this journey. This award reaffirms our shared mission—to build a sustainable, inclusive, and inspiring football future for Nagaland,” the NSL added.

MT