Nagaland 2025 saw major strides in football, culture and administration, even as key infrastructure, policy and development promises remained pending across the state.
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Major gains in sports and culture, even as infrastructure and policy promises remained pending
DIMAPUR — The year 2025 emerged as a landmark year for football in Nagaland, with the sport drawing unprecedented crowds, commanding public attention and igniting new aspirations among young players across the state.
The momentum began on January 28 with the launch of the inaugural Nagaland Super League (NSL) by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, alongside the inauguration of the Chümoukedima Football Stadium. The tournament culminated on April 1 with Barak FC clinching the first NSL title after defeating Longterok FC 3–1 in a high-energy final played before a packed stadium.
Big plans
At the NSL closing ceremony, Rio announced a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening football infrastructure and talent development in the state.
These included plans for a Nagaland Football Academy, Chief Minister’s Sports Scholarships and the proposed Nagaland International Gold Cup.
The chief minister said a professional football academy would be established at the Chümoukedima Stadium in collaboration with an internationally reputed institution, with the goal of nurturing young talent and elevating Nagaland’s sporting ecosystem.
Also read: Barak FC edge past Longterok FC 3-1 to lift first Nagaland Super League title
The 24th Dr. T Ao Inter-District Football Championship 2025 further underscored the sport’s growing popularity. The tournament drew packed stadiums, over 1.3 lakh online viewers and more than 28,000 spectators at IG Stadium, Kohima. Mon district lifted the title after edging past Niuland in a nail-biting penalty shootout (5–4).
Music became an unexpected but defining element of the championship. Hentok Konyak’s song Kenlak Nang O Ute (You Will Love Me) emerged as the unofficial tournament anthem, played repeatedly during matches. Konyak also performed the song live at the closing ceremony, and it has since crossed six million views online.
Kivika Achumi’s rendition of She Lomi during the event further highlighted the convergence of music, sport and youth culture, reinforcing football’s place in Nagaland’s social life.
Nagaland enters the national football stage
Nagaland also made history by hosting its first national-level football event—the Dr. T Ao Junior Girls’ National Football Championship 2025–26 (Tier II)—at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium from November 22. Thirteen states participated, with Maharashtra clinching the title after defeating Uttar Pradesh 4–1 in the final on December 11.
The championship was widely seen as a milestone for women’s football in the state and a significant step in integrating Nagaland into the national sporting calendar.
New district, development milestones
Beyond sports, 2025 marked key administrative and infrastructure developments. Meluri was officially inaugurated as Nagaland’s 17th district on February 21, with Rio describing it as the “Land of Fortunes” and congratulating the Pochury tribe on achieving long-standing aspirations for a separate district.
On November 29, the Kohima Peace Memorial and Eco Park—symbolising Japan–Nagaland ties—was inaugurated by the chief minister. Describing the moment as historic, Rio highlighted the park’s museum, Japanese kitchen, restaurants and eco-friendly design as spaces of remembrance and reconciliation.
During Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s visit to Kohima on November 10, Rio reiterated concerns over Nagaland’s limited ability to utilise its mineral resources, including cobalt, nickel, natural gas and petroleum. He noted that oil exploration remained stalled due to ongoing litigation.
The chief minister also recalled his request to the Prime Minister for establishing an Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Nagaland, first announced in the Union Budget 2015–16, which has yet to materialise.
Railway connectivity remained another point of concern. Nagaland currently has only about 8 km of railway line, and the proposed 250-km Dimapur–Tizit line, announced in 2011, has seen slow progress. Rio urged the Centre to prioritise the project to unlock economic potential in eastern districts.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited Nagaland from November 13 to the 15th, reviewing central schemes, infrastructure projects and development initiatives, with a particular focus on Kiphire district.
During her visit, Sitharaman inaugurated a Government Industrial Training Institute in Kiphire, launched the AI and Future Skills Centre of Excellence at the Nagaland Tool Room and Training Centre in Dimapur, and rolled out the SAMARTH programme at NIELIT Kohima.
She also virtually inaugurated nine new bank branches across the Northeast, flagged off bike ambulances under the State Bank of India’s CSR initiative, and reviewed progress in healthcare, education and women’s empowerment.
Music, awards and recognition
On December 26, Rio and composer AR Rahman announced plans for the Naga International Studio in Kohima. Envisioned as a world-class music hub with advanced recording facilities and an auditorium, the project aims to strengthen Nagaland’s music ecosystem and promote cultural tourism.
Nagaland’s achievements were also recognised nationally. Paralympic bronze medallist Hokato Hotozhe Sema received the Arjuna Award 2024 from President Droupadi Murmu on January 17, 2025, for his performance in the men’s shot put F57 category at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
L Hangthing, a progressive farmer from Noklak district, was conferred the Padma Shri on May 27, 2025, for contributions to agriculture, horticulture and rural entrepreneurship.
Eshenthung Kikon, Assistant Commandant of the 4th Assam Rifles, was awarded the Shaurya Chakra for gallantry on Republic Day.
Political shifts and farewells
In a significant political development, the NDPP and NPF merged on October 21, with Neiphiu Rio elected NPF president at the party’s Kohima convention. A new leadership team for the 2025–2030 term was also constituted.
Nagaland bid farewell to veteran leaders during the year. Former minister and six-time legislator Kejong Chang passed away on February 20 at the age of 101. Senior leader Imkong L Imchen died on November 11 at the age of 75 and was accorded a state funeral in Kohima. A five-time legislator, Imchen served as Advisor for Information and Public Relations and Soil and Water Conservation until his death.