Correspondent
MOKOKCHUNG, OCT 13 (NPN): The 25th jubilee Dr T Ao trophy began on Tuesday with Nagaland chief minister Dr Neiphiu Rio virtually inaugurating the monolith from Kohima while Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker Saringain declaring the 25th Jubilee Trophy open at an impressive function at Renpo Lu Sports Complex, Ungma, Mokokchung, on October 13.
Virtually inaugurating the Dr T Ao Monolith, Rio described Dr. T. Ao as a pioneering figure in Indian football who captained the national team at the 1948 London Olympic Games and carried the Indian flag.
He said Dr. Ao’s life exemplified excellence in sports, professional achievement as a medical doctor and dedicated public service, embodying discipline, courage, humility, perseverance and commitment.
Rio stated that naming the championship after Dr. Ao honoured his sporting legacy and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the ideals he represented. Over the years, he said, the Dr. T. Ao Trophy had grown into an important sporting institution in Nagaland.
The 25th edition has brought together footballers from various districts, providing a platform for emerging talent while strengthening friendship and unity among communities, he said. Beyond competition, the tournament develops skills, promotes teamwork, discipline, resilience and respect, and fosters healthy rivalry among participating districts.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to sports, Rio said sports played a vital role in building confidence, discipline and leadership.
He assured that the government would continue to strengthen grassroots sports, improve training and competition opportunities, identify promising talent and encourage young athletes. Describing the unveiling of the Silver Jubilee Monolith as a fitting tribute to the championship’s journey,
Rio said it would serve as a lasting marker of history, identity and collective achievement, while inspiring young people to pursue excellence in football and other fields.
He encouraged players to compete with determination and uphold sportsmanship, stressing that true success lay in character, discipline and integrity rather than merely winning. He also appreciated the organisers, officials, coaches, volunteers, supporters and people of Ungma for contributing to the growth of football in the state.
NLA speaker opens 25th edition of Dr. T. Ao Trophy: Meanwhile, Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), Sharingain Longkumer, graced the opening ceremony of the 25th edition as guest of honour.
Addressing the programme, Longkumer described the Silver Jubilee edition as more than another chapter in the history of the Dr. T. Ao Trophy, saying it celebrated a journey spanning generations and shaped by passion, commitment, perseverance and sportsmanship.
He said the occasion was particularly significant as it was being held in Dr. T. Ao’s home district. Longkumer expressed gratitude to the organisers and said the development of the venue had been made possible by the vision and generosity of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the Council of Ministers, advisors and the support of the party.
He also acknowledged the landowners of Ungma for recognising the aspirations of the younger generation and willingly supporting the project for the benefit of future generations.
Recalling Dr. T. Ao’s contribution to Indian football, Longkumer said he was not only a remarkable footballer but also an outstanding leader who captained independent India at the 1948 London Olympics. He said Dr. Ao’s achievements demonstrated how talent, discipline, humility and determination could take an individual from a small corner of the country to the national and international stage.
Longkumer said the trophy was more than a football championship, describing it as a living tribute to a legacy of excellence, humility, discipline and service. He urged young people to view sports not merely as recreation but as a means of building character, resilience, teamwork, leadership and responsibility.
Addressing the participating teams and players, he urged them to play with passion and fairness, compete with respect and uphold sportsmanship, adding that every match offered an opportunity to learn and grow. “If you win, win with humility; if you lose, lose with grace,” he said.
Short speeches were also delivered by special guest and minister for Housing and Mechanical Engineering Bashangmongba Chang; chief host and advisor for Sericulture and Minority Affairs Imkongmar. During the virtual inaugural of the monolith, short speeches were delivered by Benei M. Lamthiu, MLA and general secretary of Nagaland Football Association and monolith donor, retired assistant chief engineer of CAWD, Er. Sungti Amer.
Earlier, the invocation was pronounced by senior pastor of Mokokchung Town Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. Ponen Longchar, followed by the welcome address by advisor for Transport and Technical Education and convenor of the organising committee, Temjenmenba. Jubilee greetings were delivered by the president of the Nagaland Football Association and executive member of the All India Football Federatio, K. Neibou Sekhose.
Highlights of the opening ceremony included the presentation of the trophy by the grandchildren of Dr. Talimeren Ao, an opening parade by the participating teams, and the oath-taking ceremony led by the technical committee. The event also featured the official tournament theme song, “25 Years of Glory,” a presentation of “Hallelujah” by the Mokokchung Town Baptist Arogo Choir, and the screening of the documentary Dr. Talimeren Ao- Son of Nagaland.
The inaugural match was played between Mokokchung and Wokha.
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