The First Nagaland Open Women Football League cum Knock Out tournament was inaugurated at Indira Gandhi Stadium Kohima on 26th June 2023 by Hekani Jakhalu Kense Advisor for Industries and Commerce. The tournament was organized by the Youth Resource & Sports Department.

Speaking on the inaugural programme, Hekani applauded the visionary project in the field of football for women by the government, which is a huge industry. She also mentioned the neighboring states making recognition in the world map of football and she is hopeful that Nagaland will soon find itself in the world football map. She also urged the young participants to make sure to make football a career that will earn a livelihood. "To become a successful person through football one must have leadership skills, teamwork, perseverance, focus and to set goals are some qualities in life that sports can teach you and make you successful," she added.

K. Neibou Sekhose, President of Nagaland Football Association encouraged the women participants by referencing the football legend of the state Dr. T Ao, despite of being ill equipped, was a successful footballer and with improved facilities now Nagas can excel in the sports sector. He added that it is not just the material facilities but also the passion, determination, courage, and hard work with the extra mile that will lead them toward achieving their goals.

He said AIFF has launched the grass root programme, logo blue clubs, a football flagship programme focusing on engaging 35 million children between the ages 4 to 12 by 2026 and 100 million by 2047 as part of “Vision 2047” from which Nagaland too will be benefited. He mentioned the agenda on “football for school” for which NFA will be collaborating with the Youth Resource and Sports and Education Department in a phase manner.

The programme was led by Kethosituo Sekhose, Director of Youth Resources and Sports while Seyiekronuo Yhome performed a special number.

(Thungti Chang IA)