Nagaland Men’s blind football team shines at National Championship

Players of the Nagaland Men’s Blind Football team that took part in the national championships in Pune.

Kohima, October 31 (MExN): The Nagaland Men’s Blind Football Team demonstrated remarkable skill and perseverance at the 8th Men’s and 4th Women’s IBFF National Blind Football Championship, held from October 16 to 20 at Nawu Sports Club in Pune. This event, which saw the participation of over 130 athletes from nine men’s and six women’s teams across India, concluded with Delhi clinching the title after defeating Uttarakhand in a tense men’s final.

The Nagaland team performed impressively in the league rounds, securing draws with seasoned teams from Gujarat and West Bengal. However, despite their strong efforts, they did not advance to the semifinals. Their journey to the national stage was made possible through the support of the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, the Directorate of Social Welfare Department, Directorate of Youth Resources & Sports, and the Nagaland State Disability Forum (NSDF). The team was led by Head Coach Diethozo Yoho, with Kezhaleto Zecho as assistant coach-cum-goal guide and Rongsenyanger serving as the goalkeeper-cum-escort.

The team’s experience in Pune highlights an urgent need for stronger infrastructure and consistent support for parasports in Nagaland. Unlike states such as Delhi, Uttarakhand, and Kerala—where government support includes comprehensive resources such as training infrastructure and equipment—Nagaland’s athletes often face challenges due to limited facilities and resources.

Drawing lessons from these states, where coordinated backing enables para-athletes to develop their skills and compete nationally, Nagaland has a promising opportunity to establish a more inclusive sports environment. Investments in dedicated training facilities, specialized coaching, and community outreach could bolster parasports, empowering Nagaland’s athletes with disabilities to reach new heights.