Nagaland marked a new milestone with the successful culmination of the Nagaland Super League (NSL) at Chumoukedima Football stadium on 1st April, 2025, where Barack FC emerged victorious after defeating Longterok FC in the final match, clinching the 1st edition of Nagaland Super League 2025 title with a dramatic 3-1 win.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio expressed that the NSL is not just a tournament, it is a platform, a movement, and a celebration of the incredible footballing talent that thrives in every corner of our beautiful state. Sport is more than competition, it builds character, unity, resilience, and hope. The Nagaland Super League is a promise to every young boy and girl in the hills and valleys that if one dares to dream, work hard and stay true to their purpose, the world will take notice, the CM said. Quoting the words said by great Pele, "Success is not accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing." Rio urged the gathering to be a guiding light for every young footballer in Nagaland and beyond.
Rio also announced several upcoming projects: Nagaland Football Academy: A professional state -supported football academy at the Chumukedima Football Stadium will be set up in collaboration with an internationally reputed Institution, which will nurture young talent and elevate the sporting landscape of Nagaland.
The Chief Minister's Sports Scholarships: Sports & Football Scholarships to the select young talents for top football academies. This programme will be funded by the Chief Minister's Sports Fund in direct collaboration with the Nagaland Olympic Association, and other affiliated sports associations and the national federations. Young talents will be selected through expert professionals and sent to high performance sports academics aimed at medal prospects at the highest levels of sport.
Nagaland International Gold Cups: To host an international event with 4 local teams, 4 national teams and 4 international teams. This event will carry forward the momentum and prepare local clubs for the I-League. The event will give national and international exposure to players in our own backyard and bring Nagaland on the football map. Moreover, Rs. 2 crore each per annum will be awarded to the teams that qualify for the National I-League.
In conclusion, he urged all stakeholders, public and private - to invest in grassroots development, infrastructure, and capacity-building. To aim not just to sustain this league, but to grow, elevate, and make Nagaland a shining beacon in Indian football.
Addressing the gathering as the honoured guest, Deputy Chief Minister & Border Affairs, Y. Patton remarked that Nagaland Super League has set a new standard for football enthusiasts in the state. Although, the NSL is organised for the first time, it has been a well-structured competition that brought together the best of local talents. It has captured the attention of the people, particularly the football fans from across the State and beyond. The event has proved beyond doubt that Nagaland is second to none in organising such competitive sporting events.
Patton said under the stewardship of the Chief Minister it has made long strides in promoting sports and music in the State for the upliftment of young talents. The government is focusing on developing a robust sporting ecosystem in the State by building sporting infrastructure, organising training camps, arranging coaches and ensuring participation in National Tournaments and the result of which, the Nagaland Super League is one such initiative. He acknowledged all the players and the officials from all the seven teams who have participated in the first edition of the Nagaland Super League for putting up such a wonderful show during the past two months. Their exhibition of professionalism in football and competed fairly have earned the respect of the spectators.
In his short speech, Secretary General All India Football Association, Anilkumar P, shared his excitement at witnessing Nagaland's deep passion for football. He congratulated the Nagaland government and the organising team for their immense support and making this NSL a grand success. On behalf of the federation, he assured to support and bring more development in the region in the coming days. He also wished to see one of the players play in the ISL and beyond. He also urged the Nagaland government to make a bigger stadium so that more than 25000 viewers can watch in the next edition.
The President of Inspire Institute of Sport, Manisha Malhotra, in her short address, expressed that Nagaland could become a power house in Indian football with the right support. Sports in India has a long way to go and such initiatives like this can make local events into national spectacles. The solution for this, is for sports to keep growing and developing and keep supporting athletes, she added. Asserting that here is a group of talented athletes and a group of younger generation that needs to be groomed and trained, she urged the government and fans to support a visionary for sports that can bring change.
The closing ceremony was graced by prominent figures, including Olympian and Arjuna Awardees, Chekrovolu Swuro; Paralympian Paris Olympic and Paralympian Games Medalist, Hokato Hotozhe Sema; Founding President of Nagaland Olympic Association, Lanu Toy; Advisor, Department of Youth Resource & Sports, S. Keoshu Yimkhiung; and Chairman NSL General Secretary, NFA & MLA, Benei M. Lamthiu.
(Tovikali, IA, Chumoukedima)
