Teams for the Dr T Ao Trophy during the opening ceremony in Mokokchung on April 18. (Morung Photo)
A performance during the opening ceremony of the Dr T Ao Trophy. (Morung Photo)
22nd Inter-District Football Championship to see 16 teams fight for trophy
Morung Express News
Mokokchung |April 18
The grand opening of the 22nd edition of the Inter- District Football Championship Dr T Ao Trophy 2022 which also commomerates fifty years of Nagaland Football Association was inaugurated at Imkongmeren Sports complex Mokokchung on April 18.
The championship is being organised by NFA and hosted by Mokokchung District Football Association. Kaito Aye, Minister, Agriculture and Cooperation graced the occasion as the chief guest and Er Zale Neikha, Advisor, Youth Resources and Sports was the special guest.
Kaito Aye in his speech talked about Dr T Ao and how he displayed not only his talents and skill but most importantly determination, discipline and devotion and encouraged the sportspersons and people gathered with the quote “Everyone can be whoever you want to be in life if you have the passion to dream and act upon it with devotion.” “Create vibrant Naga so that the unity can bring peace and progress. New districts showcase and protect your district image,” he added.
He also said that the Nagas are talented, exceptionally gifted in arts, music and sports and the government is giving utmost priority to develop the sports sector and create opportunities and platforms for the athletes.
He further urged the young participants and the spectators to promote oneness among brothers by taking advantage of the platforms given and spread the message of unity to bring all communities under one banner of Nagas. He concluded by saying that he dreams of Nagaland to produce exceptional sportspersons like Dr T Ao, who will not only bring honour and glory but peace and unity in the land through sports.
Meyisanger Lemtur, President, MDFA, welcomed everyone including the 16 teams in his welcome address. Neibou Sekhose, President, NFA proposed the presidential address and the golden Jubilee greetings.
Metsubo Jamir, Minister, Rural Development and Shashank Pratap Singh, Deputy Commissioner, Mokokchung gave salutations on behalf of the host districts.
At the inaugural programme, which included an oath-taking ceremony, all sixteen teams representing the state's 16 districts were in attendance. The opening ceremony also saw musical performances of various artists after the formal inauguration programme.
Matches for April 19
Phek vs Dimapur @9:00 am
Chümoukedima vs Wokha @11:00 am
Mon vs Niuland @1:30 pm
Tuensang vs Kiphire @3:30 pm
