Historic first: Nagaland hosts Dr. T Ao junior girls championship

DIMAPUR — The much-awaited Dr. T Ao Junior Girls National Football Championship 2025–26 (Tier-II) is set to begin on Saturday in Chümoukedima. The tournament will run till December 11.

This edition holds special significance for Nagaland as it is the first time the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has named the championship after Nagaland’s own Dr. T Ao—the first captain of the Indian Olympic football team in 1948—honouring his legacy 76 years later.

A total of 13 teams have been divided into four groups: Group A consists of Uttar Pradesh and Tripura; Group B includes Uttarakhand, Andaman & Nicobar, Punjab and Nagaland; Group C features Assam, Jammu & Kashmir and Chandigarh; while Group D comprises Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mizoram and Madhya Pradesh.

Also read: Nagaland, AIFF review preparations for Dr. Talimeren Ao Junior Girls Championship

Players aged 13 to 16 will compete in a league format in the group stage, followed by the semi-finals and the final on December 11.

Officials and several teams arrived in the state a week ago to acclimatise, as matches will be played at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium inside the Police Complex.

This event is being described as historic, marking the first time Nagaland is hosting a national-level football tournament.

About 312 players and around 24 officials—including the match commissioner, referee assessor, referees and assistant referees—are expected to take part.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio will attend the inaugural ceremony as the special guest at 5 pm, followed by the opening match between Nagaland and Uttarakhand at 6 pm.

Sports enthusiasts can watch the matches live on the Dr. T Ao Trophy YouTube channel and on SportsCast India. Entry for spectators will be free on the opening day.