The 25th Silver Jubilee Edition of Dr. T Ao Inter District Football Trophy was kicked off at Renpo Lu Sports Complex, Ungma, Mokokchung on 13th October 2026, with Minister of Housing & Mechanical Engineering, Bashangmongba Chang as the Special Guest, and Speaker, NLA, Sharingain Longkumer as the Guest of Honour.
In his opening ceremony speech, Minister for Housing & Mechanical Engineering, Bashangmongba said that Dr. T Ao Trophy is a celebration of the continuing journey of football, from the legacy of Dr. T. Ao to a new generation which dreams bigger than before. It is a celebration of the football spirit and the legacy that has come beyond the football field, as it has shown the symbol of unity, discipline, brotherhood and the spirit of togetherness amongst the Nagas.
While appreciating the vibrant footballers of the state, the Minister mentioned Wangshem Konyak, a 12 years old boy from Mon district, who has received recognition including the Young Achievers Award, Nagaland, 2026. He said that talents when trained properly and given good guidance can emerge from the most remote corners of the state. He then encouraged everyone to stand for a collective venture to strengthen and identify emerging talents from the grassroot levels. The minister also added that Dr. T Ao’s contribution has seeded the sense of unity, brotherhood, discipline and healthy competition in the hearts and minds of the people. Appreciating the continuous support and guidance of Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, particularly in the sports field, he encouraged the upcoming young generations to train harder with consistency. Further, he encouraged every player to compete with spirit of team work, dedication and discipline.
Speaker, NLA, Sharingain Longkumer, in his speech said that the 25th Edition of the Trophy is much more than another chapter in the history of Dr. T Ao Trophy. It is a celebration of the remarkable journey spanning generations, shaped by passion, commitment, perseverance and sportsmanship. He emphasized that it is an occasion to look back with gratitude at what has been achieved while looking ahead with renewed hope, aspiration and determination.
Reflecting on the legacy of Dr. T Ao, he shared that Dr. T Ao was not merely a remarkable footballer but he was also a leader, who first captained and led India in the 1948 London Olympics, taking the small corner of the country to an international stage. Thus, the trophy is not merely a football championship, but a legacy of humility, discipline and service. He then encouraged all the players to compete in the spirit of friendship and discipline, to cherish the opponents and to play with compassion.
Advisor, Transport and Technical Education, and Convenor, Organizing Committee, Temjenmemba in his welcome address highlighted and thanked the Nagaland Football Association (NFA) for nurturing the emerging talents and guiding the growth of sports across the state. He also thanked the children and grandchildren of Dr. T Ao for joining the celebration together.
President NFA, K Neibuo Sekhose remarked the celebration as a home coming.
Advisor for Sericulture & Minority Affairs and Chief Host of the event, Imkongmar in his Jubilee greeting speech, extended appreciation to all. He remarked that the occasion is much more than a legacy, as it is a celebration of the enduring legacy of Dr. T Ao, whose name has continued to inspire the younger generations.
The opening ceremony also featured Methanielie Jutakhrie, the famous singer and songwriter, as a special appearance. The opening match of the 25th Edition was played between Mokokchung and Wokha District.
(Tansumong, IA Mokokchung)
