The Under-13 ASMITA Zonal Football League 2025–26 (East Zone) was officially kicked off on Thursday, at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium. The East Zone comprises of five states – Nagaland, Assam, Tripura, Mizoram and Sikkim.
The matches are played in a 9-a-side format, consisting of two halves of 25 minutes each, with the top two teams advancing to the semi-finals.
The opening match of the tournament was played between Nagaland and Tripura, ending in a goalless draw, while the second match was played between Assam and Mizoram, with Assam securing the victory 1:0.
Addressing the gathering as the special guest in the inaugural programme, Deputy Commissioner, Chümoukedima, Polan John described football as a beautiful game that brings everyone together, young and old alike. He also expressed his appreciation to the State government for its continued focus on developing sports infrastructure and also thanked the Youth Resources & Sports Department and Nagaland Football Association (NFA) for consistently hosting major tournaments in the district.
Dwelling on ASMITA’s “Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women through Action”, he stated that this was a powerful initiative aimed at empowering girls through sport, adding that participation in sports was not a privilege but a right.
He urged parents and communities to actively encourage girls to take up sports, even as a career option. “Sports keep children engaged in positive activities and help them stay away from harmful habits such as alcohol and drugs. It builds discipline, teamwork, leadership and resilience, and teaches young players how to handle both success and failure”, he stated.
Highlighting the scale of the initiative, the DC noted that the Under-13 ASMITA Football League 2025–26 would witness participation from around 8,000 players, across 50 tournaments held in 26 States and Union Territories, involving nearly 400 teams.
Turning his attention to the young footballers, John said that merely being part of the tournament already made them winners, asserting that winning is important, but sportsmanship, respect for game and learning from every match, mattered equally.
He thereby urged all to enjoy the game, play fair and give their best, and wished all teams a competitive and injury-free tournament.
Meanwhile, delivering the greetings, Deputy Director, Khelo India Events, Sports Authority of India (SAI), Abhinav Sharma, said ASMITA has grown into the Government of India’s flagship grassroots initiative for women’s sports.
He informed that more than 1,250 tournaments across 32 sports disciplines have been conducted under ASMITA this financial year alone, reaching over 1.5 lakh women athletes nationwide.
Sharma added that from beginning with a single sport in 2021 under the Khelo India Women’s League, ASMITA has now expanded exponentially, with leagues now being organised even in remote districts across the country.
He also credited National Sports Federations, including the All India Football Federation (AIFF), and state bodies such as NFA for bringing talent from the grassroots to the national stage.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by senior vice-president NFA, Kiyeka S. Sumi, blessings offered by pastor NPBC, Chümoukedima, Rev. A Temsu Longkumer, welcome address delivered by president NFA and executive committee member AIFF, K Neibou Sekhose, and a special song performed by Kevilelhou Sokra.
NFA eyes Naga women footballers in national senior team by 2030
Meanwhile, addressing a press conference, NFA president, K. Neibou Sekhose informed that NFA has set an ambitious target of seeing Naga women footballers break into the Indian senior women national team by 2030.
Sekhose said women’s football in the state has undergone visible transformation over the years, asserting that earlier, girls playing football were not widely encouraged, however adding that today the mind-set has changed and the response from families and communities has been very positive.
He further added that the ASMITA Football League would serve as a crucial catalyst in strengthening the women’s football ecosystem in Nagaland.
He also described ASMITA as an added feature in the state’s sporting development, noting that structured competitions at a young age would help identify talent early and create a clear pathway to the national level.
Also addressing the media, senior vice-president NFA and convenor of the Organising Committee, Kiyeka S. Sumi, informed that the state was fortunate that the All India Football Federation (AIFF) reposed their trust in Nagaland and requested it to host the East Zone matches. “This is a big opportunity for grassroots development. The winners and runners-up from this zone will qualify for the national finals”, he informed.
He also noted that the league has already had a positive impact on women’s football in the state by shifting the focus firmly to grassroots development.
He maintained that regular match exposure would help young girls improve their technical ability and understanding of the game at an early age. “They are getting quality match time, which is essential for raising the standard of football. This league has been an eye-opener for the state, and we are confident that success stories will emerge from here”, he added.
Meanwhile, FIFA assistant referee, Riiohlang Dhar, from Meghalaya, who was also present at the press conference, shared her journey in football officiating.
She said she began her career as a player before taking up refereeing in 2009, becoming a national referee in 2017, and earning her FIFA badge in 2018.
She informed that she officiated as an assistant referee at the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup 2024 in the Dominican Republic and recently became the first Indian woman referee to officiate the semi-final and final of the Asian Women’s Champions League 2025.
She also said she is currently preparing for the upcoming Asian Cup, and is also under trial for selection to officiate at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.
She further urged more women to associate themselves with sports, stating that many talented youngsters exist but need guidance and opportunities.