Kohima, June 14 (MExN): Nagaland is mourning the loss of one of its most respected sports administrators and public servants, Atuo Mezhür, whose death has drawn tributes from across the state.
The funeral service was held at Mezhür Higher Secondary School, Kohima on June 14.
Nagaland Governor La. Ganesan expressed grief over the passing of Mezhür, describing him as a “distinguished educationist, administrator, and public figure who devoted his life to the service of the people of Nagaland.” In a condolence message, the Governor said, “His tireless contributions in the fields of education, sports, and community service have left an indelible mark on the State. In his demise, Nagaland has lost a dedicated and selfless leader.”
Chief Minister Neiphiu said: “Late Mezhür was a towering figure in Naga society—an exemplary individual whose legacy spans the domains of education, sports administration, and community service.”
Abu Metha, Secretary General of the Nagaland Olympic Association and Vice President of the Athletics Federation of India, remembered Mezhür as “a towering figure whose multifaceted contributions to education, social service, and especially sports have left an indelible mark on Nagaland and beyond.”
Mezhür’s impressive list of appointments included serving as Vice President of the All India Football Federation, General Secretary of the Nagaland Olympic Association, and President of both the Nagaland Football Association and Nagaland Table Tennis Association. He also served as Chef-de-Mission of the Indian Football Team during international competitions in Mauritius, England, and Northern Ireland, and represented India at a FIFA conference in Australia.
One of the highlights of his career was leading the Indian football team to victory in the Ian Rush Trophy in the United Kingdom in 2004.
Outside the field, he held posts such as Regional Manager for the North Eastern Region under the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and State Commissioner of the Bharat Scouts and Guides. He also served in educational and religious capacities, including as Managing Director of Mezhür Higher Secondary School and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Baptist Mission Church.
The Nagaland Football Association (NFA) stated: “The NFA and the football community mourns the irreplaceable loss of our dear leader and father figure along with his family members and pray to the Almighty God to grant strength, comfort and solace to his bereaved family members in this hour of deep grief and sorrow.”
The Kohima District Football Association (KDFA) stated: “A visionary and dedicated leader, he (Atuo) was instrumental in shaping the growth of football in Nagaland, mentoring generations and championing the sport with humility and passion.”
“I had been associated with him for almost two decades in our quest to uplift and amplify football prospect in the state. He was a reckoning force, whose versatility and eminence gained him respect and as such Football game in Nagaland had gradually gained momentum under his dynamic leadership,” stated Roko Angami, Football Coach and President Naga Boys Club, Kohima.
The Football License Coaches of Kohima District (FLCoKD) called Mezhür “a towering figure in sports leadership” whose contributions to football at the state and national levels are “etched in the history of Nagaland football.”
