Dimapur, April 24 (MExN): Nagaland is fielding two football teams in the 7th National Masters Games 2025, currently underway in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. The teams are competing in the 40+ and 50+ age categories, joining veteran athletes from across the country in this multi-sport event organized by the Master Games Association, Himachal Pradesh, under the aegis of the Super Master Games & Sports Federation of India.
Led by Roko Angami, Officer on Special Duty to the Government of Nagaland and National Advisor to the National Master Games Association (NMGA), the delegation also includes Yambemo Humtsoe, General Secretary of the Nagaland Master Games Association.
For the 40+ category, Longshithung Patton is serving as team manager and A. Ngangshiba Sangtam as coach. In the 50+ category, Razouvituo Chatsu, who is also the Vice President of the NMGA, is managing the team, with Mhao Lotha as the coach. The teams arrived on April 20 and are scheduled to compete in league matches beginning April 22 at the Police Ground in Dharamshala.
In the 40+ Pool A group, Nagaland will compete against Haryana, Assam (A), Kerala, and Assam (B). In the 50+ Pool A, Nagaland is set to face Assam (A) and West Bengal.
At the opening ceremony, Rajesh Dharmani, Himachal Pradesh’s Minister of Technical Education, officiated as the chief guest. Speaking at the event, Dharmani spoke on the importance of camaraderie and sportsmanship in such gatherings. “This event is more than competition—it is about building bridges between states and promoting a culture of fitness, even beyond one’s prime years,” he said. He also lauded the organizers for providing a platform for seasoned athletes to continue showcasing their skills and discipline.
The Nagaland delegation joins participants from numerous states in the week-long tournament that includes several disciplines beyond football. The games are aimed at fostering athletic participation among masters-level athletes and strengthening inter-state ties through sport.
The Nagaland players and officials expressed their enthusiasm for the tournament and their hopes of performing well against tough competition.
The 7th edition of the National Masters Games will conclude on April 26.
