MOKOKCHUNG, OCT 29 (NPN): Mon emerged champions of the 25th Dr. T. Ao Inter-District Football Tournament, Silver Jubilee Edition 2026, defeating Tuensang 4-2 in a penalty shootout after the two teams played out a 1-1 draw in the grand finale at Renpo Lu Sports Complex, Ungma on Thursday.
Mon took an early lead in the 10th minute through an own goal credited to Namang. Tuensang fought back and found the equaliser in the 85th minute through Ayenmongba, forcing the final into a penalty shootout.
Mon held their nerve from the spot, converting their chances to secure a 4-2 victory and lift the championship trophy, bringing the Silver Jubilee edition to a thrilling conclusion.
The closing ceremony was graced by Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio as the guest of honour, while Minister for Rural Development and SIRD, Metsubo Jamir, was the chief host.
Addressing the gathering, Rio said the Silver Jubilee marked 25 editions of one of Nagaland’s most prestigious football tournaments. He expressed happiness over the participation of all 17 districts, describing it as a reflection of the tournament’s reach and significance in promoting football across the state.
The chief minister acknowledged the Ungma Village Council and landowners for providing land for the establishment of Renpo Lu Sports Complex. He also appreciated Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer for taking a personal interest in helping turn the project into reality.
Reflecting on the legacy of Dr. T. Ao, Rio recalled that he became the first Naga Olympian in 1948, captaining the Indian football team at the London Olympic Games and carrying the national flag during the opening ceremony. He also noted that Dr. T. Ao became the first Naga physician in 1950, demonstrating that academic excellence and sporting achievements could go hand in hand.
Rio highlighted the role of the Nagaland State and Para Games, scheduled to begin on November 2, 2026, in encouraging grassroots athletes and providing opportunities for persons with disabilities. He also said Nagaland was preparing to host the wrestling discipline at the 39th National Games in 2027.
The chief minister said the Nagaland Super League and the Dr. T. Ao Trophy complemented each other by providing competitive platforms at different levels. He also described the entry of Nagaland United Sports Club into the Indian Football League for the 2026-27 season, following the acquisition of Aizawl FC’s league sporting rights, as an important milestone for football in the state.
Rio further appreciated the All India Football Federation for supporting football development in Nagaland, including the Indian Football League Trophy Tour and the introduction of the Dr. Talimeren Ao National Football Championship for Junior Girls. He also highlighted the state government’s efforts to promote grassroots football and said it would make efforts to install astro-turf facilities in all districts.
He noted that the Prime Minister had recognised Nagaland’s initiatives to promote football through the Grassroots Football Festival Baby League and the Nagaland Women’s Futsal League during his Mann Ki Baat address in June 2026. Rio also congratulated the Department of Youth Resources and Sports on receiving the SKOCH Silver Award 2026 for its Grassroots Football Festival Baby League.
Emphasising the importance of unity, Rio said the Renpo Lu Sports Complex belonged to all Nagas, recalling the donation of ancestral land by Ungma during the celebration of 25 years of friendship between Touphema and Ungma. He urged the sporting fraternity to honour Dr. T. Ao’s legacy by creating opportunities for the next generation.
Rio congratulated both Mon and Tuensang for reaching the final and appreciated the Nagaland Football Association, organising committee, district administration, officials, volunteers, sponsors and the people of Mokokchung for their contributions to the successful conduct of the tournament.
Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by chief host Metsubo Jamir, while students of Clark Theological College presented a special item titled “United in Grace”. The invocation was offered by Youth Secretary of ABAM Dr. Butesen Ozukum. Arnung Jamir also presented a special number titled “Mokokchung Will Miss You”. The words of gratitude were delivered by Director of State Lotteries and secretary of the organising committee, Imsongmeren.
Individual award winners:
Best Defender: Haokhohen (Peren) – Rs. 10,000
Best Midfielder: Moghahuto (Zunheboto) – Rs. 10,000
Golden Glove: Imtikumzuk Chang (Tuensang) – Rs. 10,000
Golden Boot: Imnatoshi (Mokokchung) – Rs. 10,000
Golden Ball: Eshong Konyak (Mon) – Rs. 15,000