Send-off held for Nagaland Super League U-20 Scholarship team

DIMAPUR — A send-off programme was held on Tuesday at the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) office in Sovima for the Nagaland Super League (NSL) Under-20 Scholarship team. This marked the beginning of a 20-day high-performance training programme for the team at the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), Bellary.

According to a press release, this ambitious programme is a collaborative effort between the Nagaland Super League (NSL), Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA), and IIS, JSW, aimed at nurturing the next generation of football talent from Nagaland.

The programme commenced with a moment of silence in memory of Atuo Mezhür, in recognition of his contributions to sports and youth development. This was followed by a prayer led by Rev. Zhau Sanchu, pastor at CRC Sovima, who blessed the players and support staff as they prepared for this journey.

The event was attended by Abu Metha, advisor to the Chief Minister and secretary general of the NOA; Benei M Lamthiu, MLA, chairman of NSL and general secretary of the Nagaland Football Association (NFA); Mughato Aye, vice president of the NFA; Kuputo Shohe, joint secretary of the NOA; and Neivikuolie Nicholas Khatsu, assistant secretary general of the NOA.

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In their addresses, the dignitaries applauded the NSL Scholarship as a visionary initiative conceptualised by the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, and highlighted its significance in placing Nagaland’s footballing talent on the national map.

Programme overview

The NSL U-20 Scholarship Team, consisting of 16 footballers and three support staff, is undergoing a one-month fully sponsored high-performance training programme from June 8 to July 7.

The NSL is covering all associated costs, including round-trip flight tickets (Dimapur–Bellary), accommodation, and a monthly allowance for each participant.

Phase 1, from 8 to 18 June in Chümoukedima, was a 10-day pre-departure training camp focused on fitness, tactical readiness, and mental conditioning. A friendly match was also held against SC Nagaland Thonburi United at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium, providing competitive exposure to the team.

In phase 2, from 18 June to 7 July at the Inspire Institute of Sport, Bellary, a 20-day elite-level training programme will be held at IIS, India’s premier privately funded sports facility.

Additionally, through a partnership with Bengaluru FC, one of India’s top football clubs, players will train with the club’s academy, participate in friendly matches, and gain real-time insights into a professional football environment.

Rio is also scheduled to visit the Inspire Institute of Sport during the training period to interact with the players and coaching team.

IIS is India’s first privately funded, world-class sports training facility and has played a vital role in shaping the country’s top sporting talent. IIS is home to India’s champions, collectively earning an impressive tally of 243 international medals, including four Olympic podium finishes, 29 World Championship medals, 26 Asian Games medals, and 18 Commonwealth Games medals.

Several Tokyo and Paris Olympians, such as Neeraj Chopra, Bajrang Punia, and Sakshi Malik, have trained at this institute.

The list of participants includes defenders Nokwang Konyak, Kevisekho Miasalhou, Thejangulie Zatsu, Rovizo, Neingusalie Timothi Soliezuo, and Hesaka V Chophi; forwards Arap Konyak, Ngansang K Phom, Rokoselie Rhitso, and Vinato Achumi; midfielders Ato Chopi, Ketouselie Miasalhou, Mangkholen, and Paotinsat Sitlhou; goalkeepers Changsomba Chang and Mengulhoukho Chalieu; and coaching and support staff Khogen Singh as head coach, with Khwetelhi Thopi and Kechi as assistant coaches.