FUELLING FOOTBALL DREAMS: NSL Launches with Big Ambitions

Morung Express News
Chümoukedima | January 28

The Nagaland Super League (NSL) officially kicked off today at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium, offering not only an extended period of exciting football matches for fans but also a launchpad for local talent in the State.

“We are not just launching a football league; we are igniting a passion, a dream, and a vision for the future of football in our region,” declared Benei M. Lamthiu, Chairman of the NSL Governing Body and General Secretary of the Nagaland Football Association (NFA).

“Over the next nine weeks, we will witness the finest football, and we invite you to be a part of this thrilling journey,” he said, urging everyone to celebrate the beautiful game, promote unity and friendship, and create lasting memories.

Lamthiu, who is also a legislator, emphasized that football does not divide but rather provides a platform to unite. He reminded the players that football does not teach manners but reveals one’s character.

“Hence, the platform has been given to you. Showcase your talent, skill, and, most importantly, your ability to adapt and work together as a team,” he urged, for both individual and collective glory.

The historic significance of the day was also highlighted by S. Keoshu Yimchunger, Advisor to the Department of Youth Resources & Sports, who noted that through this platform, emerging talents would be identified to represent the State at various levels and potentially beyond the State.

He urged the players to seize the opportunity with both hands and to work hard in pursuit of bigger dreams.

‘Biggest Sports Project’
“This is perhaps the largest sports project Nagaland has ever undertaken,” stated Abu Metha, Secretary General of the Nagaland Olympic Association and Vice President of the Athletic Federation of India.

To support this claim, he revealed that the competition spans over eight weeks, involves seven teams, over 300 players, 45 matches, and two venues. The league features participation from every district in the State, as well as players from other parts of the country, with more than Rs 1 crore in prize money.

Metha further explained that months of preparation and over a thousand people worked behind the scenes to make this event possible. “It doesn’t get bigger than this in terms of local sports events,” he added.

He expressed gratitude to the State government and sponsors for their support in ensuring the NSL’s success. Metha also noted that the league would reach more than 40 million people through NSL’s television partners across the North-East, while social media and media partnerships would expand its reach beyond the region through streaming and broadcasts.

Metha, who is also an Advisor to the Chief Minister, highlighted that football demonstrates the power of sport to unite people and nations through a universal language. Even in Nagaland, with the motto “Together We Soar,” the NSL, NOA, and NFA aim to bring people closer and strive toward excellence as one community. “We are always stronger together,” he affirmed.

He also discussed the various awards and opportunities offered by the NSL, including a car for the best player and Rs 10,000 for each man-of-the-match.

“There are more than a dozen prizes, such as the golden glove, best goalkeeper, player of the league, and best young player,” he added.

To nurture local and young talent, Metha explained that the league prioritizes grassroots development. Each team has 30 players, 24 of whom must be local Naga indigenous players, with six guest players. Only three players from outside Nagaland can be in the starting lineup, and each team must include at least six under-20 players. Additionally, each starting 11 must feature two under-20 players, with each under-20 player required to start in at least four matches.

“This is the league’s aspiration: to ensure young Naga talent is given opportunities and to promote grassroots development,” he said.

Metha further highlighted that the sports fraternity in Nagaland aims to elevate sports, particularly football, to the level of the NSL. “We have the talent, we have the capability, and now we embark on a new journey,” he said, adding that the NOA, the sports community, and the Department of Youth Resources & Sports would continue to work toward the Olympic motto: Citius, Altius, Fortius – “Faster, Higher, Stronger.”

“Nagaland will always be stronger together,” he concluded.

The inauguration of the NSL coincided with the opening of the Chümoukedima Football Stadium, attended by Nagaland Chief Minister and President of the Nagaland Olympic Association, Neiphiu Rio, and Kalyan Choubey, President of the All India Football Federation and Joint Secretary of the Indian Olympic Association. NFA President Neibou Sekhose also praised the Chief Minister for accomplishing what once seemed impossible and lauded the AIFF President for showing his commitment to the State.

In partnership with FIFA and the AIFF, Choubey also presented the first of more than 2,000 footballs that will be distributed to schools across 17 districts as part of FIFA’s Football for Schools initiative.

Choubey commended the prize money and opportunities provided by the league, noting that in some states, entire leagues receive such amounts. He wished the tournament great success.

Meanwhile, Paralympic medalist and Arjuna Awardee Hokato Hotozhe Sema was presented with the Rs 1.5 crore reward announced by the Government of Nagaland after his historic performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

In a noble gesture, Sema donated the jersey he wore during the Men’s Shot Put F57 Final at the 2024 Paralympic Games, where he won the historic bronze medal, to the Nagaland Olympic Association.

The opening ceremony of the NSL also featured vibrant performances by the Task Force for Music & Arts.

The first match of the NSL between Barak FC and Nagaland United Sports Club lived up to expectations, with Barak FC emerging victorious with a 3-2 win. The NSL will conclude on March 31, following 62 days of intense competition.