MDFA officials with Sharingain Longkumer, Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, during the official launch of the Zonal Associations at Whispering Winds, Mokokchung on April 15. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | April 15
In a landmark step towards revitalizing football in the district, the Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) officially launched its Zonal Associations initiative under the theme “Football at the Grassroots” on April 15 at Whispering Winds, Mokokchung. The event was graced by Sharingain Longkumer, Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and Chairman of the District Planning and Development Board (DPDB), Mokokchung, who attended as the Launching Dignitary.
The Zonal Associations aim to develop football from the village level by providing a structured and inclusive platform across all six ranges of the district. Highlighting the vision behind this major initiative, Yimya Jamir, Executive Member of MDFA, stated, “Earlier in the 1970s and 80s, players from Mokokchung were of very high calibre and represented the state widely. However, today, the Aos are in a very diminishing state in football, and representation has drastically declined.”
He elaborated that the formation of Zonal Associations is a constitutional provision added in 2023 specifically to address this concern and focus on grassroots development.
“There are unidentified good players in the villages and towns, but there is no platform to showcase their talents, which is the main problem,” he said.
According to Yimya, “Nine zonal associations covering the entire six ranges of the district have been constituted. All the clubs in each zone should be affiliated to the respective Zonal Association, which in turn functions under the MDFA.” The nine zones include Mokokchung Municipal, Ongpangkong North, Ongpangkong South, Kobulong, Chuchuyimlang, Tuli, Mangkolemba, Longchem, and Merangmen.
In the first phase, the Kobulong, Tuli, and Mangkolemba Zones will be initiated.
Yimya also pointed out the fragmented nature of football tournaments being held independently in villages. “There are various football tournaments taking place without the knowledge of MDFA. We don’t want to stop any of these tournaments—we only aim to bring out the youth through them,” he explained. “These tournaments should be under the MDFA’s radar so that talented players can be scouted and then represent their zonal teams in MDFA tournaments. This will also help us identify players for district-level representation.”
Addressing the dire state of football representation in the district, Yimya revealed, “In the last edition of the Dr. T. Ao Trophy, the district struggled to even field eleven players, and some were taken from other districts. This scenario makes it very clear why grassroots development is crucial.”
In his address, Sharingain Longkumer lauded the MDFA’s initiative, saying, “Penetrating the grassroots is very important. Nagaland is no longer just a welfare state—it is becoming a contributory and participatory one.”
He emphasized the need for collective participation to raise standards: “We see and hear about infrastructure and the level of play in other states, and we aspire to reach that standard. To do so, we need participation from all corners of society, and for that, we need appropriate platforms like the MDFA. This initiative is a well-thought-out one.”
Acknowledging past shortcomings, he said, “Earlier, clubs were formed, players were brought together, and money was spent—but there was no infrastructure. The present government has learned from past mistakes. That’s why we created infrastructure first, before launching the Nagaland Super League (NSL).”
He urged the MDFA to “recalibrate the organization—its hierarchy and working system—to dedicate a team focused solely on grassroots football. The right leaders must push this initiative with full MDFA support.”
Rempukong Astroturf Update
Giving a detailed update on the FIFA-grade Astroturf football ground at Rempukong, Ungma, Longkumer revealed, “The turf is ready, but we want to complete the seating arrangements to host matches properly. Give me some time to complete it to your satisfaction.”
He explained that after the turf, landscaping will begin to enhance the facility’s longevity and appeal. “We expect a well-designed rostrum, team changing rooms, galleries, VIP section, player bus terminals, an amenity centre for refreshments, parking areas, and even multi-purpose facilities for badminton lovers—all for the district of Mokokchung,” he said.
Describing the high standard of the turf, he said, “This is an international standard turf. It’s so technical that after every three matches, it needs brushing.” He appealed for patience, stating that matches would only be held “after all infrastructure is completed.”
Longkumer added that Phase 2 is expected to be completed before the monsoon, with landscaping planned during the rainy season. “We cannot compete with Kohima in terms of infrastructure, but we have to stand firm with whatever we have. The turf is targeted to be ready for public use by December or January,” he said.
Phase 3 will include mass lighting installations to enable day and night matches, projected for completion next year.
On the Nagaland Super League (NSL), Longkumer said, “It will come to Mokokchung too. Let us encourage people to invest in infrastructure so we can welcome teams from Dimapur and Kohima. I urge private investors to join in.”
He concluded by stressing the role of sports in driving the district’s development: “Through sport, we can progress Mokokchung. Let’s all try to bring at least a few NSL matches here. Once the infrastructure is ready, it will be a great launching pad for both sports lovers and players.”
