Nagaland: Maharashtra thump UP 4-1 to lift Dr. T. Ao Jr. Girls National Football title

More than 3,000 spectators thronged the Chümoukedima Football Stadium on Thursday to witness the grand finale of the Dr. T. Ao National Junior Girls Football Championship – Tier 2, where Maharashtra defeated Uttar Pradesh 4–1 in a thrilling contest. The stadium was packed to capacity, making it one of the highest-attended matches of the tournament.
Both teams began the match with high intensity, pushing forward in search of an early breakthrough. Uttar Pradesh registered the first shot on target in the 3rd minute, but the Maharashtra goalkeeper collected the ball comfortably.
Maharashtra earned their first major opportunity in the 14th minute after a precise through-ball found their striker inside the box. A defensive tackle, however, disrupted her run, earning Maharashtra a free kick just outside the penalty area. Aysha (7) stepped up and delivered a perfectly taken shot into the top right corner, putting Maharashtra ahead. Conceding the early goal pushed UP into action, and they immediately increased their tempo. However, Maharashtra’s disciplined defensive line absorbed the pressure effectively. A lapse by UP’s right-back gifted Maharashtra a corner, which nearly extended their lead.
UP continued to push and created several promising chances but failed to convert. Their persistence finally paid off in the 24th minute when Divya (7) latched onto a through-ball and slotted home the equalizer.
Maharashtra’s defenders were caught off-guard and rushed to the lines woman appealing for an offside, but the referee allowed the goal.
UP almost doubled their lead two minutes later following a defensive error. Their striker beat the last defender but fired the ball just inches over the crossbar.
Maharashtra too responded quickly and nearly retook the lead through a scramble inside the UP box, but the goalkeeper’s quick intervention forced the ball out for a corner.
A well-placed pass from the Maharashtra midfield shortly after found their forward in a good scoring position, but her attempt was calmly saved by the UP keeper. The teams went into the break level at 1–1.
UP started the second half strongly, dominating early possession and putting pressure on the Maharashtra backline.
Despite the pressure, it was Maharashtra who struck first. In the 55th minute, a swift attack down the left flank produced a precise cross that found Aarna (11), who finished confidently to restore Maharashtra’s lead.
UP came agonizingly close to equalizing in the 58th minute with a long-range effort, but the Maharashtra keeper tipped the ball over the bar, resulting in a corner.
They continued to create chances, including a golden opportunity in the 72nd minute, but their attempts were repeatedly denied by the resilient Maharashtra goalkeeper.
Maharashtra strengthened their hold on the match in the 82nd minute when Sharvari (10) displayed excellent individual skill to drive the ball past the UP keeper, putting her team 3–1 ahead. In the 86th minute, Maharashtra sealed their commanding victory with another moment of individual brilliance from Ipshita (9), who netted the fourth goal. Despite trailing, UP fought hard until the final whistle, including the four additional minutes of stoppage time, but could not break through the Maharashtra defense.
In the individual awards, Golden Ball award was bagged by Sharvari Ajit Mane of Maharashtra; Golden Glove by Shivika Shetty of Maharashtra; and Golden Boot by Joya of Punjab (10 goals).
Closing ceremony
Meanwhile, delivering his address as the special guest at the closing ceremony, Advisor for Youth Resources & Sports, S. Keoshu Yimkhiung, lauded the participating teams for their remarkable displays of talent, discipline, sportsmanship and team spirit throughout the tournament.
He said that the past days had witnessed outstanding performances that truly reflected the ideals and legacy of the legendary Dr. T. Ao, whose name, he reminded, continued to inspire young athletes across the country.
Addressing the players, Keoshu said the tournament had not merely showcased football skills but had celebrated commitment, resilience and the rising potential of young girls from across the nation. He noted that each match played had echoed with the passion and perseverance of the players, whose hard tackles, strategic passes, powerful shots and steady teamwork left a powerful impression on spectators.
“You have played with passion, determination and integrity,” he said, adding that whether or not they returned home with a trophy, every participant had won the hearts of the people through dedication and hard work. The Advisor further asserted that the tournament should be seen not as an end but as the beginning of each athlete’s journey. “Continue to dream big, train harder, and strive for excellence,” he urged.
Highlighting the unity displayed on the field, Keoshu said that although the players came from different states, cultures and backgrounds, they had stood together with one dream, the love of football.
He added that the championship had shown how discipline and dedication could overcome fear, how unity could outshine individual glory, and how true strength lay not only in victory but also in accepting defeat with grace.
Extending appreciation to all stakeholders, the advisor acknowledged the coaches, team managers, referees, medical staff, volunteers and others whose efforts ensured smooth coordination and fair play throughout the tournament.
He also expressed gratitude to the organizing committee, the Nagaland Football Association and the Government of Nagaland for their support and commitment in hosting the prestigious event.
“As we bring this championship to a close, let us remember that sports unite us beyond boundaries,” he said, adding that the friendships formed, lessons learned and memories created in Chümoukedima would remain long after the final whistle.
Keoshu concluded by thanking all present for their support and enthusiasm, and wished every team a safe journey home and success in their future endeavours.
Meanwhile, an acknowledgment message from Village Council Changki was also read out, wherein the Village Council thanked the Nagaland Football Association and state government, led by Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, for being able to pursue and rename the National Junior Girls Football Championship to Dr Talimeren Ao National Junior Girls Football Championship.