The 25th edition of the Dr T Ao Inter-District Football Trophy opened to a packed gallery at Renpo Lu Sports Complex, Ungma, Mokokchung, on Tuesday, as Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio inaugurated a monolith honouring legendary footballer Dr Talimeren Ao and hosts Mokokchung were held to a 3-3 draw by Wokha in a high-scoring opening encounter.
The massive turnout, which filled the gallery with spectators eager to witness the Silver Jubilee edition, provided a strong start to Nagaland’s inter-district football championship. The opening day combined a tribute to one of the state’s most celebrated sporting figures with an evenly contested match that saw Wokha fight back to deny the hosts victory with a stoppage-time equalizer.
The occasion also highlighted the growing public interest in the tournament, although the unexpectedly large crowd posed traffic-management challenges along the narrow approach road to the sports complex.
The inaugural function began with the grandchildren of Dr T Ao leading the parade of participating teams, followed by the inauguration of the monolith and a program of speeches and performances.
Rio recalls Dr T Ao’s legacy, stresses need to sustain championship
Inaugurating the Dr T Ao Monolith virtually, Chief Minister Rio recalled Dr Talimeren Ao’s contribution to Indian football, remembering him as an Olympian who represented India at the 1948 Olympic Games in London.
Rio described the Dr T Ao Inter-District Trophy as an important sporting platform that brings districts together while providing emerging footballers opportunities to develop their skills and abilities. He stressed the importance of sustaining the championship so that it continues to nurture young talent and strengthen the state’s sporting culture.
Describing the monolith as a lasting marker of history, Rio underlined its significance in commemorating Dr T Ao’s legacy and preserving the memory of a sporting figure whose achievements continue to inspire generations.
Nagaland Football Association (NFA) general secretary and MLA Benei Lamthiu said Nagaland had long dreamt of producing sporting legends like Dr T Ao, adding that, with Rio’s support, the state was on the verge of realising its aspirations.
Acknowledging the organising committee, Lamthiu said it had successfully pulled off the event despite a “race against time”. He said the organisation of the tournament demonstrated how collective effort and unity could make challenging tasks possible.
Monolith donated in spirit of community and unity
Er Sungti Amer, who donated the monolith, said he had contributed it wholeheartedly on behalf of his family and the Changki community.
He said the structure was not merely a monolith but a symbol of community, solidarity and unity. Amer also acknowledged Wabang Ozukum of Mongsenyimti village, who carved the monolith.
Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung Ajit Kumar Verma, IAS, said the occasion served as a reminder of the need to invest in sports infrastructure and players.
NFA president and All India Football Federation (AIFF) executive member K Neibou Sekhose observed that Mokokchung was becoming the “second most frequent district” to host the Dr T Ao Trophy.
Sekhose recalled that the Inter-District Football Tournament began in 1974 and was renamed the Dr T Ao Trophy in 2004 under Rio’s leadership.
Chief host MLA and Advisor Imkongmar, special guest P Bashangmongba Chang, and Guest of Honour and Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer also expressed appreciation to Rio for his support towards the development of sports infrastructure in Nagaland.
Mokokchung, Wokha share points in six-goal opener
The opening match produced six goals in a 70-minute encounter, with Mokokchung and Wokha exchanging the lead before sharing the points in a 3-3 draw.
Mokokchung captain Sentilong opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a direct free kick, giving the hosts an early advantage. Wokha responded through Yibenthung Ezung in the 29th minute, but Mokokchung regained the lead when Lanutemsu scored in the 33rd minute.
Wokha continued to press and drew level through Victor Kithan, who converted a direct free kick in the 47th minute. Mokokchung moved ahead once more when Yashimeren scored in the 60th minute, putting the hosts in front as the match entered its closing stages.
However, Wokha refused to give up. Ezung struck again in the third minute of stoppage time to complete his brace and secure a 3-3 draw for his side.
Mokokchung enjoyed greater possession and appeared to have the edge for much of the encounter, but sloppy passing cost the hosts as Wokha capitalised on their mistakes. Takotoba had a good game for Mokokchung, making timely runs, while captain Sentilong orchestrated the hosts’ play.
Match statistics showed Mokokchung with 60 per cent possession against Wokha’s 40 per cent. The hosts registered 11 shots on target, compared with Wokha’s six, and won six corners against Wokha’s two.
Mokokchung committed six fouls, while Wokha recorded seven. Wokha were caught offside three times, compared with none for the hosts. Wokha’s Saronbemo Shitiri received a yellow card in the 40th minute.
Coach calls for crowd support, promises changes
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Mokokchung coach Avar Danla said the team had expected strong support from the crowd but had been unable to perform as anticipated.
“We were expecting a lot of support from the crowd. On the ground only 11 players are playing and our 12th player is the crowd but we could not play the game as expected,” he said.
Danla said the team would make changes to its game plan and work towards improving its performance ahead of its next match.
“We will make some changes with the game plan. There is a big second match and we will work hard on improving ourselves. We asked the crowd to kindly support us,” he added. Mokokchung next plays 2024 champions Tuensang on October 16.
Packed gallery surprises organizers; traffic poses challenge
The packed gallery was among the defining features of the opening day, with spectators turning out in numbers for the Silver Jubilee edition.
NFA President Sekhose described the attendance as unexpected, observing that such a large crowd did not usually turn up for an opening ceremony. He made the remark while speaking about the packed arena during the inaugural match between Mokokchung and Wokha.
The turnout also presented logistical challenges for the Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA), particularly in managing traffic around the venue.
The MDFA president acknowledged that traffic management had been a major challenge because of the sports complex’s location along a narrow road. He said some members of the public had violated traffic rules put in place by police personnel and appealed to spectators and commuters to follow the rules.
“We regret that there has been some inconvenience particularly regarding the traffic for the commuters and spectators but our road is quite narrow and there have been some traffic issues. Other than that, we believe the program was a success,” the MDFA told MT when asked about the challenges faced during the event.
The 3-3 draw provided a lively start to the Silver Jubilee edition of the Dr T Ao Trophy, which was renamed in honor of Dr Talimeren Ao in 2004, having originated as the Inter-District Football Tournament in 1974.
October 14 Fixtures
Meluri Vs Tuensang 09:00 AM
Zunheboto Vs Noklak 12:00 Noon
Mon Vs Dimapur 03:00 PM