Dr. T Ao Trophy 2025 inaugurated in Kohima with participation from all 17 districts; CM Rio attends opening ceremony.
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KOHIMA — The 24th edition of Dr. T Ao Trophy, Nagaland’s inter-district football championship, kicked off on Friday at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima with all 17 districts participating in the 15-day tournament.
The matches will follow a league-cum-knockout format.
The tournament was renamed the Dr. T Ao Trophy in 2004 in honour of Dr. Talimeren Ao, the first captain of independent India’s football team at the 1948 London Olympics.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio encouraged players to emulate Dr. T Ao’s legacy. ‘If Dr. T Ao could achieve so much over four decades ago, today’s youth—equipped with better facilities and support—can certainly do more,’ he said.
The chief minister stressed that success in football requires sincerity, dedication, hard work, and perseverance.
Also read: Dr. T Ao Trophy 2025 begins on August 1 at IG Stadium Kohima
Rio also thanked the All India Football Federation for renaming the Junior Girls National Football Championship to Dr. T Ao National Women’s Junior Football Championship.
He informed that Nagaland will host the tournament later this year.
Highlighting the government’s push for sports infrastructure, the chief minister said that stadiums in six districts—Tuensang, Mokokchung, Zunheboto, Mon, Phek, and Chümoukedima—have been completed, while work in the remaining districts is ongoing.
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Further, 28 futsal grounds and 31 multipurpose halls are being developed across the state.
Rio announced that 13 futsal grounds and two multipurpose halls will be inaugurated on August 2, adding that more than 50% of the planned facilities will be completed within this year.
He also highlighted the Chief Minister’s Sports Scholarship, under which 16 footballers under 30 and three coaches are currently undergoing training.
“A boy from Changki village led India in the Olympics. So can you,” he told the players.
Also speaking at the event, MLA Kevipodi Sophie—convenor of the organising committee—underscored the message that football is more than just a sport, as it fosters healthy competition, unity, mutual respect, and camaraderie. He called for fair play and team spirit throughout the tournament.
Nagaland Football Association President Neibou Sekhose also addressed the gathering.
In the opening match, host district Kohima defeated Tseminyu 3–0.
Saturday Fixtures (August 2)
Match 1: Tuensang vs Mon (9 am)
Match 2: Longleng vs Chümoukedima (11 am)
Match 3: Mokokchung vs Wokha (1 pm)
Match 4: Peren vs Meluri (3 pm)