Spirit, Sweat and Success: On Nagaland’s Dr. T Ao Trophy

What we witnessed during the recently concluded Dr. T Ao Trophy was truly memorable—a spectacular experience that many will cherish for years to come and which could be remembered as a watershed moment in Nagaland football. It was a befitting tribute to the legendary Dr. Talimeren Ao, who made Nagaland proud by leading the Indian national football team at the 1948 Summer Olympics in London, and after whom the state’s most prestigious football championship is named. If the aura at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, was impressive during the initial stage of the championship, the final match between Mon and Niuland districts was electrifying, with football lovers from every nook and corner of the state thronging the stadium to witness the showdown. According to reports, an estimated crowd of 28,000 fans filled the stadium—well beyond its capacity—setting one of the highest attendance records in Nagaland’s sporting history. On top of that, more than 1.5 lakh people were glued to their screens, watching the match, which was live-streamed online. At the stadium, it was a sight to behold as fans supported and encouraged their respective teams by singing, chanting, and displaying team flags. The moral and physical support the participating teams received during the tournament was remarkable. However, what Mon district supporters displayed during this edition was nothing short of inspirational, not just for their team but also for football lovers. They rooted for their team with unceasing spirit throughout the tournament, making the win against Niuland via a tie-breaker even sweeter.

The Dr. T Ao Trophy has been organised for over a decade now, and while the love of football in Nagaland is not a recent phenomenon, we have not seen a response as overwhelming as this year’s edition, surpassing even the maiden Nagaland Super League (NSL), which drew much attention and interest. While winning the Dr. T Ao Trophy is a matter of pride and prestige, the authorities should consider raising the prize money for the winners, which is not even half the amount awarded to the NSL inaugural season winners. What really matters at the end of the day is how much each player takes home or benefits from weeks and months of sweat. Money matters; it will encourage young people to take up football as a profession.

In the meantime, we can draw inspiration from small nations such as Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Croatia, Iceland, Paraguay, and Northern Ireland, which have defied expectations based on their population size to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. They are living proof that success in football is determined not by size but by passion and love for the sport. Nagaland embodies these qualities—passion and love for football. Can we capitalise on this opportunity and transform the state into a football powerhouse?