Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio says the government will strive to install astro turfs in all districts to promote grassroots football
UNGMA — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has said the state government would strive to install astro turfs in all districts to channel the energy of youth into sports, while underscoring the importance of grassroots development in Nagaland’s sporting landscape.
Rio was speaking at the closing ceremony of the 25th Dr. T Ao Trophy Inter-District Football Championship, the Silver Jubilee edition, at Renpo Lu Sports Complex in Ungma, Mokokchung, on Thursday, where he attended as guest of honour.
Highlighting recent developments in the state’s sports sector, Rio said the introduction of the Nagaland Super League in 2024 and the continued role of the Dr. T Ao Trophy at the district level were helping nurture football talent. He also cited the entry of Nagaland United Sports Club into the Indian Football League for the 2026-27 season, following the acquisition of Aizawl FC’s sporting rights, as another milestone for the state.
Rio said the Nagaland Olympic Association would organise the Nagaland State and Para Games from November 2, providing a multi-sport platform for grassroots talent and opportunities for athletes with disabilities. He also mentioned preparations for the 39th National Games in 2027, where Nagaland will host the wrestling discipline.
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The chief minister expressed gratitude to the All India Football Federation for its support, including the Indian Football League Trophy Tour and the introduction of the Dr. Talimeren Ao National Football Championship for junior girls.
He also expressed satisfaction that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recognised Nagaland’s efforts through the Grassroots Football Festival Baby League and the Nagaland Women’s Futsal League in his Mann Ki Baat address in June 2026. Rio congratulated the Department of Youth Resources and Sports on receiving the SKOCH Silver Award 2026 for the Baby League initiative.
The Silver Jubilee edition, Rio said, was significant as it marked the successful completion of 25 editions of the championship, with all 17 districts of Nagaland participating.
Recalling the legacy of Dr. T Ao, the chief minister said the Changki-born footballer excelled in football, academics and athletics, captained Mohun Bagan and made history as the first Naga Olympian by leading the Indian football team at the 1948 London Olympics while carrying the national flag. He said Dr. Ao’s life demonstrated that academic excellence and sporting success could go hand in hand, and that the championship continued to preserve his legacy.
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Rio appreciated the Ungma Village Council and landowners for providing land for the Renpo Lu Sports Complex, describing it as a progressive step for future generations. He acknowledged the contributions of successive council chairmen Alemtoshi Imsong, Nungshi Lepden Jamir and Sutsungkaba Longkumer, along with the elders and tatars of Ungma village.'
He also recalled his visit to Ungma during the Moatsu festival in May, when the Ao community donated three parcels of ancestral land at the site to the Tenyimi Union Nagaland, Central Nagaland Tribes Council and Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation to foster Naga brotherhood. Rio emphasised that the Renpo Lu Sports Complex belonged to all Nagas.
Congratulating Mon and Tuensang districts for reaching the final, Rio wished both teams well and called for a competitive match in the spirit of sportsmanship. He said that while only one team would lift the trophy, every participant had contributed to the championship’s success, and that teamwork, perseverance and humility were equally important.
Minister Metsubo Jamir, the chief host of the closing programme, also spoke at the event.