Correspondent
KOHIMA, MAY 31 (NPN): Aspirants FC emerged as champions of the 3rd Kohima District Futsal Championship 2026 after defeating Mez & Co ‘A’ in the final to lift the coveted title.
Mez & Co ‘A’ finished as runners-up, while Mez & Co ‘B’ and Sechü Zubza Boys were the losing semi-finalists.
Individual awards were also presented during the closing ceremony. Metsielhouzo Rino of Aspirants FC received the Golden Glove award, while Kevizakie Ciesotsu of Sechü Zubza Boys and Thejavizo Naprantsu of Aspirants FC shared the Golden Boot award after scoring 12 goals each. Radovie Rasomai of Mez & Co ‘A’ was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament.
The prizes were presented by special guest, president of the Northern Angami Sports Association (NASA), Neikeso Zumu, who lauded the tournament as a celebration of youth, discipline, unity, sportsmanship and the growing football culture of Nagaland.
Addressing the gathering during the closing ceremony, Zumu commended the leadership of KDFA president Mhasimhale Mathew Yhome and his team for their commitment to strengthening football in Kohima district. He highlighted football’s role in uniting youths across communities and instilling values such as discipline, teamwork, perseverance, leadership and respect.
He also acknowledged the efforts of the Nagaland government under the leadership of Dr. Neiphiu Rio in promoting sports through initiatives such as the Dr. T. Ao Trophy, support for the Nagaland Football League and various football development programmes across the state. Emphasising the importance of futsal, Zumu described it as one of the fastest-growing formats of football globally. He further reaffirmed the commitment of the NASA towards grassroots sports development and youth empowerment.
The closing ceremony was chaired by joint secretary (Women) KDFA and member secretary of the championship, Nekhriezonuo Miachieo. KDFA president Mhasimhalie Mathew Yhome pronounced the vote of thanks.
Earlier, the inaugural ceremony was graced by guest of honour, president of the Northern Angami Youth Organisation (NAYO), Khriesazo Liezietsu. Congratulating the newly elected KDFA team, he expressed confidence in its ability to elevate football in Kohima district to greater heights.
He also reaffirmed NAYO’s support for football development and youth initiatives in the district. During the programme, he presented the official NAYO jersey to the president of KDFA.
Welcoming participants at the opening ceremony, KDFA general secretary Viliebeizo Liezietsu said the championship was not merely a tournament but a platform to celebrate the growing stature of football and futsal in the state capital. He informed that KDFA has a busy calendar ahead, including the inaugural KDFA Football Championship tentatively scheduled for August 2026, along with preparations for the Nagaland Olympics and the 25th Dr. T. Ao Trophy.
He also reminded players that registration under the Centralised Registration System (CRS) is mandatory for participation in all AIFF-affiliated tournaments and urged footballers to complete their registrations at the earliest.
The programme was chaired by press secretary and convenor of the championship, Medolenuo Ambrocia Loucü. The opening ceremony began with a prayer by Director of the Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement (NCYM), Rev Fr Kokto Kurian. Neilaü Thaprü presented a special number.
The championship witnessed enthusiastic participation from eight teams playing the game on a league-cum-knockout basis. For the first time, the district futsal championship was managed by an all women team in the organising committee. An exhibition match was played between the NASA and NAYO. The match ended in favour of NASA.