CM Dr Neiphiu Rio, Ministers, MLAs, officials and players of the Mon and Tuensang teams at the closing ceremony of the 25th Dr T Ao Trophy at Renpo Lu Sports Complex, Ungma, Mokokchung, on October 29. (NFA Media)
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | October 29
Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio has said the State Government will try to establish astro-turf football grounds in all districts as part of a broader effort to strengthen grassroots sports infrastructure.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 25th Dr T Ao Trophy Inter-District Football Championship at Renpo Lu Sports Complex, Ungma, on Thursday, Rio said sporting talent could only be developed sustainably if young players had access to proper facilities in their own districts.
“It is at the grassroots where talent is discovered, confidence is built and interest in sports is nurtured,” he said, adding that the Government would seek to channel the energy of the State’s youth in a productive and positive manner.
Rio said the Dr T Ao Trophy and the Nagaland Super League were creating different levels of opportunity for footballers. While the Super League provided a competitive platform, he said, the inter-district championship continued to strengthen the foundations of the game at the district level.
The CM also described the Renpo Lu Sports Complex as an asset for the entire State rather than a facility belonging only to the Ao community.
Referring to the donation of ancestral land by Ungma and the Ao community to three apex Naga civil organisations, Rio said the complex represented the spirit of Naga unity and brotherhood.
“The infrastructure Renpo Lu Sports Complex is not only for the Ao tribe but it belongs to all the Nagas,” he said.
Rio’s address also pointed to an emerging sports pathway in the State. He referred to the entry of Nagaland United Sports Club into the Indian Football League for the 2026–27 season and said the development could create a higher level of opportunity for players emerging from district and State competitions.
He said the State was also preparing for the Nagaland State and Para Games, beginning on November 2, and for the 39th National Games in 2027, where Nagaland is scheduled to host wrestling.
Highlighting the importance of inclusive sporting opportunities, Rio said the para games would provide athletes with disabilities a platform to demonstrate their abilities and pursue higher levels of competition.
The CM also referred to national recognition for Nagaland’s grassroots initiatives. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had acknowledged the State’s Grassroots Football Festival Baby League and Nagaland Women’s Futsal League during his Mann Ki Baat address in June. He further noted that the Department of Youth Resources and Sports had received the SKOCH Silver Award 2026 for the Baby League.
Rio said these developments should be treated as part of a larger ecosystem rather than as isolated achievements. He urged sports associations and organisers to sustain regular competitions and create a pathway from local participation to State, national and international representation.
Recalling the legacy of Dr Talimeren Ao, Rio said the former India captain’s achievements showed that sporting excellence, academic achievement and public service could coexist.
As the Silver Jubilee edition concludes, he called for Dr.Ao’s legacy to be carried forward by creating opportunities for future generations rather than merely commemorating his past achievements.
“A champion is not defined by the trophy alone, but by the courage to compete, the discipline to persevere and the humility to respect others,” Rio said.
