Players of IG Girls Sport Academy and Kohima FC (Girls),
match officials, along with guests and organisers, during the celebration of
Women’s Football Day at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, on Saturday. (EM Images)
- KOHIMA — The
Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Football Day 2025 was celebrated at
Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, on Saturday, coinciding with International
Women’s Day.
- An exhibition match between IG Girls Sport Academy and
Kohima FC (Girls) marked the celebration, organised by the Kohima District
Football Association under the aegis of the Nagaland Football Association.
- Neibou Sekhose, AIFF executive and president of NFA, said on
the occasion that the event aimed to inspire more girls and women to get
involved in various roles within sports and encourage both public and private
organisations to extend their support to the development of women’s football.
- He mentioned that the Indian women’s FIFA ranking as of
March 6, 2025, is 69, while the men’s position is 126 and added that the event,
AFC Women’s Football Day, marks a decade of progress and dedication towards the
advancement of women’s football since its launch in 2015.
- He informed that the AIFF had approved naming the Junior
National Girls Championship after Dr. T Ao, the first captain of the Indian
Olympic football team in 1948 and the flag bearer of the Indian contingent in
London. The AIFF has also requested the state to host the tournament this year.
The first State Women’s League is also in the pipeline for the current year.
- For ages, sports have been viewed as a way to stay healthy
and fit, but they go beyond that. Today, sports are essential for the youth's
overall growth and development. Playing sports and games helps youth improve
their self-esteem, social skills, and confidence. It also teaches them about
time management and discipline. Moreover, it can serve as a career path.
Additionally, it helps youth reduce stress and depression, he noted.
- He added that sports signify the innate good in humanity and
a world where all have an equal opportunity, where everything depends on
ability, personal skill, and efficiency, and where the reward is based on
merit.
- Neithono R Sothu, president of the Angami Women’s
Organisation, who attended the occasion as a special guest, said Nagas are
doing very well, whether in education, entrepreneurship, bureaucracy, or in
games and sports.
- She added that Nagaland women are second to none, and
football is no exception. She expressed confidence that women can also reach
the international level in football and win medals and trophies, making
Nagaland proud.
- President of the Kohima Press Club, Alice Yhoshü, attended
the occasion as an honoured guest. Sister Rev. Margaret Sekhose, headmistress
of St. Paul's High School, Majuli Island, Assam, pronounced the invocation,
while Neilau Thapru and Vekuyole Tase presented songs.
- Meanwhile, the only goal of the exhibition match was scored
by Nunevino Kera of Kohima FC (Girls).
