Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC) marked its entry into the Indian Football League (IFL) Second Tier, with the IFL Trophy Tour and the launch of its official jersey at Zone Niathu, Chümoukedima, on 22nd October 2026.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio thanked the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for its support and assured that the state government would continue to promote sports talent at the grassroots level. He said that NUSC belonged to all Nagas, and hoped that the club would motivate young people and provide them with a platform to compete at the national and international levels.
He urged the Club's officials and coaches to work with commitment and sincerity, while calling on the players to maintain discipline, professionalism and sportsmanship. He said sports offered significant opportunities for livelihood and encouraged the players to set an example for the younger generation.
Dr. Rio also appealed to football fans to turn up for NUSC's home matches at Chümoukedima Football Stadium, and to create a strong supportive atmosphere. He called for warm hospitality towards visiting teams and said the promotion of sports, art and culture could make a difference in the state. While assuring government support, he noted that the Club's performance and progress would depend on the shared responsibility of the management and players. He hoped that NUSC would one day bring the trophy home and inspire more young people to take up football.
Minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along, described Nagaland's participation in the IFL as a significant achievement for football in the state. He said that the Club's entry into the League provided an opportunity to showcase Nagaland's football heritage and take its talent to the rest of the country through skill and hard work.
Along thanked the AIFF for bringing the IFL trophy to Nagaland, and said this was only the beginning of a new journey for football in the state and hoped that Naga players would go on to represent India. He also said the Tourism Department would continue to partner in promoting the sport and thanked the Chief Minister for supporting youth development and empowerment through sports.
Head of Operations, IFL, Abhishek Yadav, congratulated NUSC on its entry into the IFL and highlighted the pride associated with carrying forward the legacy of Dr. T. Ao in Nagaland and Indian football. He noted the contribution of the North East to Indian football and stressed the importance of investing in grassroots talent and building a sustainable club that could inspire future generations.
Earlier, President, Nagaland Football Association, Neibu Sekhose, delivered the welcome address, while President, NUSC, John Longkumer, proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was organised in collaboration with the AIFF and the Indian Football League, and featured the IFL Trophy Tour and the unveiling of NUSC's official home, away and reserve kits.
(DPRO & IA Chümoukedima)
