The 23rd Dr. T. Ao Inter District Championships Trophy began today at Loyem Memorial Astro Turf ground, in Tuensang. Gracing the occasion as the Principal Guest, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio inaugurated the rostrum, accompanied by Minister Forest, Environment & Climate Change, C. L John; Minister, Housing and Mechanical Engineering P. Bashangmongba Chang; Advisor Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan; MLA, Benei Lamthui; MLA, Imtichoba and host of dignitaries.
Rio in his speech expressed his appreciation to the the organizing committee and Tuensang District Football Federation for their initiative in hosting the most prestigious Tournament of the State. Rio reminded the gathering that the Trophy was commemorated to honour the legendary football player Dr. T. Ao, who served as the Captain of the Indian Football team at the London Olympics in 1948 and much sought after by European Football Clubs. Dr. T. Ao flourished in the popular Mohun Bagan Club and in the neighbouring states of Assam and Manipur.
Urging the youth to carry on his legacy in the field of sports, Rio expressed commitment to provide better infrastructure in all the Districts. The Chief Minister also thanked the Department of Youth Resources & Sports for taking up the vision and dreams of the Youth in the field of Sports and Music. “The Government is committed in promoting Sports and Music in the State with the declaration of 2024 as the Year of Youth Empowerment, which has many successes stories and Nagaland has good potential in the field of sports,” said Rio. He also assured to focus on women in the field of sports, expressing th need to initiate tournament of women’s football team.
He encouraged the youth to excel with discipline and dedication where one has no ends in achieving their goals. The Chief Minister also assured to upgrade the Loyem Memorial Ground, Tuensang, by building more galleries, security wall and electrification. Rio highlighted the importance of electricity and generator so that the players can play at night and hone their skills.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
K.Neibou Sekhose, President Nagaland football Association in his presidential address stated that history has been created with the TDFA coming forward to host the Dr T Ao trophy, and bringing the prestigious tournament to be held in the first district of ENPO area.
He requested the government to construct sports fields of national standard in every district, and to further establish football ground of international standards to host international matches.
Advising the players, Sekhose said that everyone has an equal opportunity where everything depends on ability on personality, skills and efficiency, where the reward is based on merit. “In football, there is no language barriers. Everyone speaks one language with one rule in sports and you have to fight to reach your dreams, sacrifice and work hard,” said Sekhose who also encouraged the players to face their challenges with discipline, to accept defeat and victory with smile, grace and dignity on and off the field.
The welcome address was delivered by MLA & Convener, Planning Committee, Lima Onen, and a short speech delivered by MLA & Advisor Youth Resources and Sports, A. Keoshu Yimkhiung.
The Opening Match of Dr. T. Ao Trophy was played between Tuensang and Kiphire, where Tuensang won by 10 – 0.
