Dimapur District Football League-cum-Late Hejeto Memorial Trophy kicks off

DIMAPUR, SEP 15 (NPN): The Dimapur District Football Association (DDFA) on Tuesday kick started the Dimapur District Football League-cum-Late Hejeto Ayemi Memorial Trophy, marking the revival of district-level football competition in Dimapur after a long gap at the DDSC Stadium Dimapur. The league will continue till October 5.
The inaugural match of the tournament saw Dimapur United Sporting Club announced their arrival in emphatic fashion, dismantling Thahekhu Youth FC with a commanding 6–1 victory.
Dimapur United wasted no time in asserting dominance. Libenthung opened the scoring in the first minute. Soon after, Yiben doubled the lead with a clinical finish, before Lanjon pulled one back for Thahekhu Youth FC in the 31st minute to briefly raise hopes of a fightback. However, Yiben struck again just four minutes later, restoring Dimapur’s two-goal cushion before halftime.
The second half was a one-sided affair as Dimapur United’s relentless attack overwhelmed Thahekhu’s defence. Pulovi added the fourth goal, followed by Ghuqhe who made it 5–1. The rout was completed when Vinato netted the sixth, sealing a dominant performance that showcased Dimapur United’s attacking depth and precision.
Thahekhu Youth FC struggled to contain the pace and creativity of their opponents, with their lone goal proving insufficient against Dimapur’s firepower. The result firmly established Dimapur United SC as early favourites in the competition, while Thahekhu Youth FC will need to regroup quickly to stay competitive.
MLA and advisor, Tribal Affairs and Election, H. Tovihoto Ayemi, attended the inaugural ceremony as the special guest and declared the tournament open.
Addressing the gathering, Tovihoto said the return of district-level football was a significant occasion for the sport in Dimapur and appreciated the DDFA for taking the initiative to revive football at the grassroots level.
The tournament, instituted in memory of his late father, Hejeto Ayemi, also carries special significance for the Ayemi family. Tovihoto said the DDFA had approached his siblings with a proposal to institute a district-level football tournament in their father’s memory, which the family considered a meaningful way to preserve his legacy by providing opportunities to young people.
Recalling his father’s life, Tovihoto said Hejeto Ayemi was neither a footballer nor a bureaucrat or political figure, but a humble individual who believed in serving people and contributing to society.
He said his father was among those who helped lay the foundation of present-day Thahekhu and was one of the pioneers who contributed to Dimapur’s development during the years following Independence and before Nagaland attained statehood.
According to Tovihoto, when Dimapur had a small population and large areas were covered by jungle, his father assisted people in securing land allotments, clearing jungle and establishing homes by extending labour support. He also recalled his father’s commitment to education, stating that he had started a night school where children were taught free of cost.
Tovihoto said the football tournament therefore represented more than a sporting event, as it provided young people an opportunity to compete, develop discipline, build friendships, gain confidence and discover their potential.
He stressed that football could instil teamwork, perseverance, leadership, humility and respect among young people while providing them with a positive platform to channel their energy and ambition.
He appealed to parents, schools, educational institutions, business establishments, civil society organisations, community leaders and football lovers to support the DDFA initiative and create more opportunities for young athletes to develop their skills and pursue higher levels of competition.
Tovihoto also called upon the DDFA to work towards building a sustainable football ecosystem in the district through greater grassroots participation, quality coaching, talent identification and regular competitive opportunities.
In a significant announcement, he said the Ayemi family had entered into a 15-year sponsorship agreement with the DDFA, beginning in 2026, to ensure that the league is conducted annually.
He said the long-term partnership would make the tournament a permanent and reliable platform for the youth of Dimapur and Nagaland.
Addressing the participating teams and players, Tovihoto urged them to play with passion, discipline and respect, while upholding the spirit of sportsmanship.
The programme was chaired by DDFA assistant general secretary Keyi Putlang, while the invocation was offered by the Executive Secretary of WSBAK Rev. Dr. Phughoto Sema, DDFA president Mughato Sumi delivered the presidential address, followed by a special melody by Vilika Zhimomi.
The oath-taking ceremony was led by DDFA executive member Olando Yimchunger, after which Tovihoto formally declared the tournament open.
The event is supported by NILI Nissan, with Nagaland Post as the media partner and SportsMatrix as the digital hosting partner.