Nagaland men's blind football team secure second place at the zonal championship in Bhubaneswar, qualifying for nationals.
DIMAPUR — The Nagaland men’s blind football team finished second at the 7th Men’s & 4th Women’s IBFF Northeast/East Zonal Blind Football Championship 2026, held in Bhubaneswar from July 1 to the 3rd, earning a spot in the upcoming national championship.
Nagaland topped Group B of the Indian Blind Football Federation (IBFF)-organised event to secure a direct path to the semi-finals. In the semi-final clash against Assam, the match remained deadlocked, leading to a penalty shootout, according to an update.
Nagaland’s goalkeeper Rongsenyanger blocked all three of Assam’s penalty attempts. Chingdang Phom scored the decisive goal, securing a 1-0 victory and propelling Nagaland into the final.
In the championship match, Nagaland faced Meghalaya and fell 0-3. Chingdang Phom was awarded the Emerging Player of the Tournament. Chingdang scored a goal against Mizoram during the group stages.
In the women’s category, Odisha took the top spot while West Bengal finished as runners-up.
By finishing as runners-up in the zonal championship, the Nagaland men's team has qualified for the National Blind Football Championship, scheduled to be held later this year in November or December.
The team's participation was supported by the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Department of Youth Resources & Sports, Nagaland State Disability Forum, Mission to the Blind, and Lotha Baptist Church, Diphupar 'B' Youth Ministry.
The campaign was guided by Assistant Coach and Goal Guide Kezhaleto Zecho and goalkeeper and escort Rongsenyanger.