The Nagaland U-20 football team delivered a dominant performance this morning in a friendly match against the Bengaluru FC Young Blues Elite team at the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) Football Ground in Vijayanagar, Bellary district, Karnataka. The match was held as part of the ongoing visit of the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, and his delegation to Vijayanagar, according to an update received here.
The Chief Minister, accompanied by senior dignitaries from Nagaland, was present at the match to support the team. Upon arrival, Dr. Neiphiu Rio was felicitated by the IIS. Following the match, he delivered a motivating address to the players, commending their spirited performance and encouraging them to pursue excellence with commitment and discipline.
In his remarks, Dr. Rio recalled the legacy of Dr. T. Ao, the first captain of independent India’s national football team and a proud son of Nagaland. He noted, “Dr. T. Ao remains a symbol of pride and inspiration for the Naga people and Indian football as a whole. The potential for our youth is immense, and with future collaborations between Nagaland and institutions like IIS, we can create pathways for many more to shine on national and international stages.”
Arap Konyak emerged as the star of the match, scoring a brilliant hat-trick with goals in the 7th, 32nd, and 44th minutes. Ngangsang K Phom added to the tally with a clinical strike in the 41st minute, sealing a convincing 4–0 victory for Nagaland.
Following the match, Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister and Vice President of the Athletics Federation of India, addressed the players with encouraging words. He remarked, “The Inspire Institute of Sport is producing athletes who are contributing to India’s nation-building process. It is important that our youth not only perform with excellence but also represent India with respect and integrity. Opportunities like these are critical for shaping disciplined and responsible athletes of the future.”
The delegation also toured the IIS facility and engaged with coaches and athletes, gaining insight into India’s most advanced private high-performance sports ecosystem.
“This event, along with the broader visit, reflects the deepening partnership between the Government of Nagaland and the JSW Group. It underscores a shared vision of investing in youth, sports, and development,” the update added.