The silver jubilee edition of Dr. T Ao Inter-District Football Tournament will begin on October 12 in Mokokchung.
MOKOKCHUNG — The silver jubilee edition of the Dr. T. Ao Inter-District Football Tournament is scheduled to begin on October 12 at the Rempu Lu Astro Turf Ground in Ungma, Mokokchung.
The announcement was made by Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) officials during a press conference held at the Koridang Futsal Ground, Aolijen, Ungma, on August 15. The tournament is hosted by the MDFA.
Welcoming teams from all 17 districts, MDFA President N Akok Longkumer stated that this year’s event is not merely a tournament but a celebration of the competition’s silver jubilee. He assured that the association is preparing to host the event in a befitting manner, noting that the MDFA had successfully organised the same tournament two years before.
Officials stated that preparations are in full swing under the leadership of Member of Legislative Assembly and Advisor Temjenmenba as convener and Imsongmeren Imsong as secretary. Various sub-committees have been formed and are actively working to ensure the smooth conduct of the event.
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Before formal preparations began, MDFA and Nagaland Football Association (NFA) officials visited Changki, the native village of Dr. T Ao, the barefooted Indian football captain, to seek blessings. The mascot for the silver jubilee edition has been named ‘Orija’, a symbolic cultural term representing the people of Changki.
MDFA and NFA officials also visited Impur, the Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM) Mission Centre, where the historic playground on which India’s pioneering footballer Dr. T Ao honed his skills was officially renamed the Dr. T Ao Ground on February 21.
It was further informed that the MDFA Trophy for this year stands cancelled owing to the hosting of the Dr. T Ao Inter-District Football Tournament.
Regarding the turf ground currently under construction, officials reported that 80 per cent of the work has been completed, and the facility is expected to be ready by the start of the tournament.
The gallery’s permanent seating capacity is around 4,000, and with temporary arrangements, it is expected to exceed 5,000, supported by transportation facilities for spectators and well-wishers.
MDFA also released the 20-member squad for the Mokokchung team, along with the coach and team manager. The association expressed confidence in the players and hoped for a better performance than the previous edition.
MDFA observes Futsal Day in Ungma
Meanwhile, the MDFA observed Futsal Day on August 15 at the Koridang Futsal Ground, Aolijen, Ungma.
In his welcome address, President N Akok Longkumer highlighted the significance of the day, noting that football is a sport cherished across all sections of society.
He stated that the game has been actively promoted in Nagaland through year-round activities of the NFA and futsal tournaments organised by various bodies across the state.
The observance of Futsal Day was held under the direction of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the NFA.
Encouraging young players, Longkumer urged them to remain dedicated and strive to take football to the next level, highlighting that committed participation would bring them benefits.
He also expressed appreciation to the Mokokchung Press Club (MPC) for its continued support over the years and appealed for its ongoing cooperation.
The programme featured a U-15 kick-off futsal match between teams from Ungma and Merepkong Ward. An exhibition match between the MPC and MDFA followed, with MDFA emerging victorious 7-4.
The MDFA team was led by President N Akok Longkumer and included Supongsang, Yimya Jamir, Bendangmongba, Lepzungchiba, Limasenla, Alapong, Nokzenpongba, and Bendang. The MPC side comprised Naro Longchar, Ajung Kichu, Yarden, Imnawapang, Akangnungsang, Moasashi, Imrongkumba, and Sashimeren.