The XXII Inter-District Football Championship, Dr. T. Ao Trophy 2022 got underway here at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung on 18th April 2022 with the inaugural programme graced by Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture& Cooperation, Govt. of Nagaland G.Kaito Aye as the Chief Guest. The Championship is organized by Nagaland Football Association (NFA) commemorating 50 Glorious years of NFA) and hosted by Mokokchung District Football Association.
Addressing the mammoth gathering at the programme, Chief Guest urged to inculcate the qualities of Determination, Discipline, and Devotion that Dr. T. Ao displayed beside his talents and skill to achieve his dream in life, he went on to say that, ‘everyone can be whoever you want to be in life if you have the passion to dream and act upon it with devotion’. The government of Nagaland is giving utmost priority to developing the sports sector to provide opportunities and platforms for our talented youths, he added. He also urged the participants to promote the message of unity to bring communities together.
Special Guest on the occasion, Er. Zale Neikha, MLA & Advisor for Youth Resources & Sports in his short speech encouraged the participants to give their best and continue to work on their skills and talent.
Delivering the salutation speech from the host District, Metsubo Jamir, Hon’ble Minister Rural Development, Nagaland said we are all familiar with the tales and legends that revolve around Dr. T. Ao but one valuable lesson we should learn from his life is the art of being realistic about setting one’s goals to succeed in life. The presidential address was delivered by Neibou Sekhose, President of Nagaland Football association while Deputy Commissioner Mokokchung, Shashank Pratap Singh, IAS also delivered a short salutation speech on behalf of the host district welcoming the participants from all the district.
Earlier in the programme, the welcome address was delivered by Meyisanger Lemtur, President Mokokchung District Football Association.
(Lanukaba, IA Mokokchung)
