Western gallery to remain incomplete as organisers prepare for October tournament
Work at Renpo Lu Astro Turf in Mokokchung is being fast-tracked ahead of the 25th Dr T Ao Trophy, with several facilities still under construction and part of the western gallery unlikely to be completed before the tournament.
An inspection team comprising officials of the Directorate of Youth Resources and Sports (DYRS), Nagaland Football Association (NFA), Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA), the tournament organising committee, Mokokchung District Administration and Mokokchung Police visited the venue on Saturday to assess the ongoing works and preparations for the tournament.
DYRS Director Kethosituo Sekhose said the overall project was scheduled for completion in 2027, but work had been expedited in view of the 25th edition of the Dr T Ao Trophy, which is scheduled to begin on October 13.
He said the department had asked the contractor to complete as much work as possible before the tournament. The initial target for completion of the ongoing works was November 2026.
“The turf is completed and the floodlights are set up,” Sekhose said.
He said the prefabricated multipurpose hall was also almost complete, with some toilet-related work remaining. Facilities being developed beneath the gallery include dressing rooms, washrooms and a technical room, while other works include the pavilion, restrooms and match officials’ room.
However, not all works are expected to be completed before the tournament. Sekhose said the gallery on the western side would not be completed in full, with the MDFA and organising committee expected to make alternative arrangements for spectators.
With around three weeks remaining before the tournament, he said contractors were being pressed to speed up the work, while works requiring more time would continue after the event.
Around 60 workers, including supervisors and civil-work personnel, are currently engaged at the site. Sekhose said several activities were being carried out simultaneously as part of the fast-track work.
He expressed confidence that the venue would be ready to host the tournament despite the unfinished works. He cited the completion of facilities for the Dr T Ao Junior Girls National Tournament within a shorter timeframe as an example of the department’s ability to complete works within tight schedules.
Sekhose also said the prefabricated structures were supported by foundations that had been given sufficient curing time and that third-party quality-management teams were inspecting the project regularly.
The floodlights have been tested and calibrated and are expected to allow night matches. According to Sekhose, the lighting system has been certified under FIFA Class 3 standards.
Parking, however, remains one of the logistical challenges. Only around 100 vehicles are expected to be accommodated within the venue, with additional parking likely to be arranged outside the highway in coordination with the police and traffic authorities. This could require spectators to walk some distance to the venue.
NFA Vice-President Meyisanger Lemtur said the MDFA had successfully hosted an earlier edition of the tournament in Mokokchung town and expressed confidence in the arrangements for the upcoming edition.
“This time we have better facilities than before,” Lemtur said, adding that the organisers would make the necessary local arrangements. He expressed hope that it would be “one of the best tournament” editions.
According to NFA President, K Neibou Sekhose, the 25th Dr T Ao Trophy is expected to bring around 450 players and officials from across Nagaland. The NFA is also planning to invite former Indian football captains as well as representatives of national and regional football bodies for the silver jubilee edition.
Meanwhile, the NFA has scheduled the fixture draw for September 21 at its office in Kohima. All 17 member district football associations have been asked to attend the draw.
The 25th Dr T Ao Trophy, organised by the NFA and hosted by the MDFA, will be held from October 13 to 31 at Renpo Lu Astro Turf, Ungma, Mokokchung.
