Kohima, April 3 (MExN): The Nagaland Football Association (NFA) held its Annual General Body Meeting for the year 2025 on April 1 at the Conference Hall of Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) Sovima Camp at Chumoukedima.
The meeting was attended by all executive members of the NFA, representatives of District Football Associations, NOA Observer and Officers from the Department of Youth Resources of Sports, Nagaland.
Anthony Ngullie, NCS, Commissioner & Secretary, YRS, Nagaland who graced the occasion as the Special Guest congratulated the NFA and the NSL Governing Body for making the NSL possible cutting through barriers to make things happen.
He also commended the NFA’s football calendar noting that the NFA has covered all aspects of the game and applauded the achievements made by the Association in the last few, especially that of renaming of the National Junior Women Championship after the football legend, Dr. T Ao.
Ngullie stated that the department is trying it’s best to ensure sports infrastructure development in all districts and emphasized that land issues should not stand in the way.
He further acknowledged the Chief Minister’s initiatives towards ensuring the development of sports and sportspersons in the state.
He also made a special mention of the development of Futsal ground and multipurpose indoor stadiums in all districts.
Talking on the NSL, he marked that the ice for professionalism in football has been broken and that the active support of football lovers is clearly evident.
He also reminded on the commitment of the government of the day and the governmental departments towards achieving the goals of ‘Vikshit Bharat’ 2047.
He stressed on the importance of focusing on sowing the seeds at the grassroots and also encouraged the District Football Associations to give their cooperation and support to the NFA in its initiatives while also acknowledging its President’s presence in the AIFF Executive Committee.
He further encouraged them to work hand in hand with the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, their respective DCs & District Sports Council and District Sports Officers for the development of the game.
NFA president K. Neibou Sekhose highlighted the activities and achievements of the NFA in a detailed presentation.
He also shared the plans and way forward for the football community including setting of various committees to spearhead different aspects of the game as well as introduction of new tournaments and key initiatives for furthering the objectives and aspirations of the Association.
Benei M Lamthiu, MLA & General Secretary, NFA while sharing on the NSL 2024-25, also encouraged the District FAs initiate action, especially focusing on starting baby leagues and youth leagues.
He also encouraged them to show their works and then seek support and assistance; while also assuring the implementation of the Chief Minister’s promise of providing proper sports infrastructure in every district.
He further welcomed suggestions and criticisms from the DFAs for the betterment of the NFA and Nagaland football.
The agendas of the meeting included constitution of 11 Committees under the NFA, conduct and hosting of various national level and state level tournaments including NSL 2nd Edition (2025-26); Coaches, Referees & Grassroots development; matters regarding other State & District level tournaments and their recognition; discouraging penalty shootout tournaments among other issues and concerns.
The members District FAs actively participated in the meeting and shared valuable suggestions in the course of the meeting’s discussions especially with regard to the NFA’s football Calendar and upcoming activities including ‘Football for schools’ initiative, CRS registration, and district FAs’ developmental and financial concerns.
Earlier, the meeting made obituary reference and paid tribute to its late member and prominent Coach and football educator, Lt. N William Koso.
The meeting also acknowledged the contributions and unwavering support rendered to the association by the Government of Nagaland led by Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio; the Department of Youth Resources and Sports Nagaland; and the Nagaland Olympic Association; giving due recognition to their active participation and contributions towards the success of the 1st edition of the NSL 2024-25 .
NFA’s senior vice-president Kiyeka S. Sumi delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the Association.
The meeting had in attendance 16 out of the 17 member Districts Football Associations of the NFA.
This was stated in a release issued by Chenonlo Woch, Joint Secretary (Adm) NFA.
