Nagaland’s first U-15 Futsal Tournament kicks off in Mokokchung with 32 teams

Dubbed Nagaland’s first-ever, the Under-15 Futsal Tournament organized by Kichutip Sporting Association (KSA) under the aegis of Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) kicked off on July 1 at Mujabi Futsal Turf, Salangtem Ward, Mokokchung.

Lanuchuba Imchen, President of Longterok FC and Councillor, DMC (Tolls & Fees), graced the event as the Guest of Honour.

A total of 32 teams from around the state Nagaland is competing in the tournament played in two venues — the Mojabi Futsal Turf Ground in Salangtem Ward and the Alempang Turf Ground in Alempang Ward of Mokokchung Town with matches scheduled from morning till late evening in both grounds. The three-day tournament will conclude on July 3.

In the opening match, Revenant FC outclassed United Football Club with 8–0 victory. Imsujungba scored the tournament’s first hat trick while Yha O.L and Thongo scored two goals each, and Prem added one. In the second match, Evergreen Club defeated Starters 7–2, led by Hengoulen’s five goals and one from N Puchai. Lensar and Moasunep scored a goal each for Starters. No cards were issued in either match.

Longterok FC to launch football academy
Lanuchuba Imchen, President of Longterok Football Club, announced that the club is planning to establish a football academy dedicated to nurturing young talent in the region. The academy will offer structured training and development pathways for aspiring players committed to the sport.

Speaking at the opening of the U-15 Futsal Tournament, Imchen acknowledged the efforts of the Kichutip Sporting Association and MDFA in promoting grassroots football. He emphasized the importance of regular competitive tournaments to keep young players engaged and help them progress to district and state levels.

He highlighted Longterok FC’s commitment to contributing to the football ecosystem, noting that the relatively new club had already proven its competitiveness against top teams like Barak FC despite limited resources and preparation. The club plans to strengthen its collaboration with the Nagaland Football Association.

Longterok FC also pledged to support promising players by offering career guidance and linking them with clubs across India to help them pursue opportunities beyond the state.

Imchen concluded by reaffirming the club’s commitment to supporting football initiatives at the district, state, and regional levels, and called for united efforts to build a stronger football culture in Nagaland.

MDFA lauds KSA’s commitment to youth football
President of the Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA), N. Akok Longkumer, in his short speech lauded the Kichutip Sporting Association (KSA) for organizing the Under-15 Futsal Tournament, commending the physical and financial efforts put into hosting the event. He emphasized the importance of sustaining the tournament annually and encouraged KSA to turn it into a long-term commitment for youth development.

Longkumer assured MDFA’s continued support for such grassroots initiatives and stressed the need to work together to nurture young talents. Highlighting the growing scope of sports, he said, “Sports today is like an industry — it changes lives and sustains livelihoods.”

He acknowledged KSA’s grassroots-level effort through this tournament and mentioned MDFA’s own “Football at the Grassroots” program being implemented across eight zonal associations, including the Municipal Zone where Kichutip Ward falls. He concluded by urging players to uphold dedication, determination, and discipline, and to compete with sportsmanship — noting that not all teams may win, but every player can grow.

Imtichiba Kichu, President of KSA in his welcome address shared the significance of the tournament which is being organized in commemoration of KSA’s Silver Jubilee year in 2023. Encouraging all young participants, Kichu urged them to compete with discipline, knowledge, and sportsmanship.

Short speeches were delivered by Er. Sentiwapang, Executive Member of the Kichutip Ward Council; and S. Bendang Longkumer, Chairman of the Salangtem Ward Council. The tournament began an oath-taking ceremony and the introduction of the participating players.

Ao player absence in state football sparks call to action
Raising concern over the declining presence of Ao players in the Nagaland state football team, Longterok FC President Lanuchuba Imchen urged the MDFA and community leaders to take action to revive Ao participation and ensure that deserving players are identified and supported.

MDFA President N Akok Longkumer also encouraged players to draw inspiration from national icons and Olympians like Dr. T. Ao, reminding them that football has deep roots in Ao history. He noted the success of the recently launched Nagaland Super League (NSL) and mentioned that the Ao community has 12 to 13 promising players, urging the need to aim for titles.

It may, however, be mentioned that most Ao players in the inaugural edition of the NSL were not based in Mokokchung. Reportedly, only two players were from Mokokchung district—and neither from Mokokchung town.

Furthermore, there is not a single player from the Ao community in the NSL U-20 Scholarship Team, which is currently undergoing a one-month fully-sponsored high-performance training program from June 8 to July 7, 2025, at the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), India’s premier privately-funded sports facility.

This ambitious program is a collaborative effort between the Nagaland Super League (NSL), Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA), and the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), JSW, aimed at nurturing the next generation of football talent from Nagaland.

MT