Nagaland’s Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, inaugurated the Nagaland Super League (NSL) at the newly completed Chümoukedima Football Stadium, the state’s first exclusive football venue, on January 28. The event was attended by Kalyan Chaubey, President of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), marking a significant milestone for football in the state.
The inauguration of the NSL coincided with the opening of the Chümoukedima Football Stadium and the celebration of the 107th birth anniversary of legendary Naga footballer Dr T Ao, who captained the Indian football team at the 1948 London Olympics.
In his address, Chief Minister Rio highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting football and providing world-class facilities for players.
Rio further informed that six astro-turf grounds have been completed in six districts, with plans to develop similar grounds in all districts within three years. He commended the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, the engineering team, and contractors for their hard work in ensuring the Chümoukedima Football Stadium was completed ahead of schedule for the league.
Acknowledging the presence of Kalyan Chaubey, Rio stated that Chaubey’s participation in the first edition of the NSL was a “big morale booster” for the players. He also announced that the champions of the NSL would progress to the northeast league and, eventually, to the all India league.
Rio expressed his pride on social media, calling it “a proud moment for football in Nagaland” and a new chapter for nurturing local talent.
Rio thanked the AIFF, under Chaubey’s leadership, for its support in making the NSL a reality. He stated that the NSL is not just a tournament but the beginning of a movement to transform football in the state. He wished the best to the participating teams, hoping for growth and success in the future.
The event also featured speeches from AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey; NFA President Neibou Sekhose; Chairman of the NSL Governing Body and NFA General Secretary Benei M Lamthiu; Secretary General of NOA and Vice President of the Athletic Federation of India Abu Metha; and Advisor of Youth Resources and Sports, Keoshu Yimkhiung.
The NSL offers several prizes, including a car for the best player of the league and Rs 10,000 for the player of the match, along with awards for the best goalkeeper, best young player, and more.
To promote grassroots development, the league prioritizes local talent, with each team having 30 players, including 24 indigenous Naga players. Additionally, each team must feature at least six under-20 players, with specific requirements for their participation.
During the ceremony, Paralympic medalist and Arjuna Awardee Hokato Hotozhe Sema donated his bronze medal-winning jersey from the Paris 2024 Paralympics to the Nagaland Olympic Association. He was also presented with a Rs 1.5 crore reward by the Nagaland Government for his historic achievement.