Forging Futures in Football

The Dr. T Ao Junior Girls National Football Championship, which kicked off at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium last week, holds special significance for Nagaland, special because the state is hosting a national-level football tournament for the first time. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has also renamed the Junior Girls National Football Championship after Dr. Talimeren Ao, a proud son of Nagaland and the first captain of the Indian Olympic football team in 1948. It’s a fitting tribute to the country’s legendary footballer. Exciting football action is anticipated as 13 teams compete in this Tier-II league, which is set to conclude on December 11. It is a landmark event not only for Nagaland but also for the country’s women’s football. Because it is in such tournaments that young players get the much-needed competitive exposure which is essential for enhancing one’s skills and building self-belief. For many players, competing at higher levels can be a learning experience, a transformative one. A tournament, no matter how small, serves as a catalyst for growth, promotes professionalism, breaks stereotypes, and inspires individuals to consider it as a career. Additionally, it helps identify talent and opens doors to greater opportunities, such as playing for the country and participating in clubs and leagues. The ongoing Dr. T Ao Junior Girls National Football Championship is another opportunity for young girls to showcase their skills, serving as a platform for advancing to the next level.

Ironically, women's football receives little attention in Nagaland, the home state of Dr. T. Ao, after whom the Dr. T. Ao Junior Girls National Football Championship is named. The Nagaland Open Women’s Football League was organised in 2023, offering a glimmer of hope for the development of the sport, but it was short-lived. Unlike other states, particularly the neighbouring state of Manipur, which has been dominating the sport in the country, women's football culture is almost non-existent in Nagaland. Most importantly, the state lacks the essential infrastructure, such as local and state-level leagues, which are crucial for scouting, identifying, and nurturing talent from the grassroots level. To enhance the standard of women's football in the state, essential prerequisites must be established, such as creating a mechanism for scouting young players and providing a competitive platform at various levels. The state government should establish a professional football league along the lines of the Indian Women's League and the Nagaland Super League, which garnered an overwhelming response from the public. The women of Nagaland deserve better platforms, greater visibility, and robust support to elevate football to the next level and pursue it as a career.