The annual general body meeting of NFA underway in
Chümoukedima on April 1.
DIMAPUR — The
Nagaland Football Association (NFA) held its annual general body meeting for
2025 on April 1 at the conference hall of the Nagaland Olympic Association
(NOA) Sovima Camp in Chümoukedima.
According to an update, the meeting was attended by all
executive members of the NFA, representatives of district football
associations, the NOA observer, and officers from the Department of Youth
Resources and Sports (YRS), Nagaland.
Anthony Ngullie, Commissioner and Secretary, YRS, Nagaland,
who attended the occasion as the special guest, commended the NFA’s football
calendar, noting that the NFA has covered all aspects of the game. He also
applauded the achievements made by the association in recent years,
particularly the renaming of the National Junior Women’s Championship after
football legend Dr. T Ao.
He further stated that the department is doing its best to
ensure sports infrastructure development in all districts and emphasised that
land issues should not stand in the way. He acknowledged the chief minister’s
initiatives towards ensuring the development of sports and sportspersons and
made special mention of the development of futsal grounds and multipurpose
indoor stadiums in all districts.
Talking about the Nagaland Super League (NSL), he noted that
the drive for professionalism in football has been broken and that the active
support of football lovers is clearly evident. He also reminded everyone of the
commitment of the government and its departments towards achieving the goals of
‘Vikshit Bharat’ 2047.
He stressed the importance of focusing on sowing the seeds
at the grassroots level and encouraged the district football associations to
offer their cooperation and support to the NFA in its initiatives, while also
acknowledging the president's presence on the AIFF executive committee.
He further encouraged them to work hand in hand with the
Department of Youth Resources and Sports, their respective DCs, district sports
councils, and district sports officers for the development of the game.
The president of the NFA, K Neibou Sekhose, highlighted the
activities and achievements of the NFA in a detailed presentation, as well as
plans and the way forward for the football community. This included the setting
up of various committees to spearhead different aspects of the game, as well as
the introduction of new tournaments and key initiatives to further the
objectives and aspirations of the association.
Benei M Lamthiu, MLA and general secretary of the NFA, while
discussing the NSL 2024-25, encouraged the district football associations to
initiate action, particularly focusing on starting baby leagues and youth
leagues.
He encouraged them to demonstrate their work before seeking
support and assistance while also assuring the implementation of the chief
minister’s promise of providing proper sports infrastructure in every district.
He further welcomed suggestions and criticisms from the district football
associations for the betterment of the NFA and Nagaland football.
The agendas of the meeting included the constitution of 11
committees under the NFA; the conduct and hosting of various national and
state-level tournaments, including the NSL second edition (2025-26); coaches,
referees, and grassroots development; matters regarding other state and district-level
tournaments and their recognition; discouraging penalty shootout tournaments;
and other issues and concerns.
The members of the district football associations
participated in the meeting and shared suggestions during the discussions,
particularly regarding the NFA’s football calendar and upcoming activities,
including the ‘Football for Schools’ initiative, CRS registration, and the
developmental and financial concerns of the district football associations.
Earlier, the meeting made an obituary reference and paid
tribute to its late member, prominent coach and football educator, Lt. N
William Koso. The meeting also acknowledged the contributions and support
provided to the association by the Government of Nagaland, led by CM Neiphiu
Rio; the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Nagaland; and the Nagaland
Olympic Association, giving due recognition to their participation and
contributions towards the success of the 1st edition of the NSL.
The meeting was attended by 16 out of the 17 member district
football associations of the NFA.
