Three kits honour Dr T Ao, celebrate Naga heritage and project the club’s identity onto the national stage
Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC) marked its preparations for the Indian Football League (IFL) with a trophy tour and the unveiling of its official home, away and reserved jerseys at Zone Niathu, 7th Mile, Chümoukedima, on Thursday evening.
The event brought together representatives from football, the government and the community to celebrate the club’s entry onto the national stage and the identity it will carry into Indian football.
As the first club from Nagaland to represent the state at the national football level, NUSC’s entry into the IFL marks a significant development for football in the state and offers encouragement to young players aspiring to compete at higher levels.
The programme featured addresses by Nagaland Football Association president Neibu Sekhose and greetings from Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along. Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio delivered the keynote address. The event also included a felicitation segment featuring the All India Football Federation and musical performances by Ayang Anichar, Vinika Yeptho, Samuel and other artists.
Three jerseys, one club identity
The official home kit pays tribute to Dr. Talimeren Ao, the pioneering footballer from Changki who captained India at the 1948 London Olympics. The jersey features illustrations representing Naga life, culture and heritage, bringing the club’s connection to its homeland onto the pitch.
The words “We play football,” attributed to Dr T Ao, appear inside the collar, while his name and number on the back further personalise the tribute. The design recognises his place in Indian football history and his continuing significance for generations of players.
The away kit features a black base with repeating red geometric motifs arranged in vertical rows across the body and sleeves. Drawing on Naga-inspired visual influences, the contemporary design gives the jersey a distinctive appearance while maintaining a connection to the club’s roots.
The reserved kit features a light-blue base complemented by green, yellow and red sleeve bands, along with a distinctive white star on the upper back. Inspired by Nagaland’s landscapes, history, cultural diversity and people, the design translates these influences into a modern football aesthetic.
The three designs were led by Aniho Chishi, NUSC’s lead designer, whose work brings together the club’s visual identity and the stories represented by each kit. The jersey launch was held in partnership with KAKI Marketing.
A milestone beyond the pitch
Earlier in the day, NUSC inaugurated its new office and Elevenses Cafe Lounge at the Sovima Regional Centre for Sporting Excellence.
The inauguration programme began with a prayer led by Zhamhalie Rüpreo, assistant pastor of CRC Sovima, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony chaired by NUSC president John Longkumer. The programme also featured greetings from Elevenses Cafe Lounge, a special address by Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio and a vote of thanks by NUSC executive member Kuputo Shohe.
The office inauguration and jersey launch together reflect the club’s efforts to establish a stronger foundation both on and off the field as it prepares for national-level competition.
For NUSC, the occasion went beyond unveiling new playing colours. The club presented the jerseys as an expression of its origins, the people it represents and the aspirations it carries into Indian football, with Naga heritage and the legacy of Dr T Ao central to its identity.
