K Neibou Sekhose, President of Nagaland Football Association, unveils the Dr T Ao Ground during the commemoration ceremony at Impur Mission Centre on February 21.
Morung Express News
Impur | February 21
The historic Impur playground, where India’s legendary footballer Dr Talimeren Ao honed his early skills, was formally commemorated as the Dr T Ao Ground at the Impur Mission Centre on February 21.
Organised under the theme “Where Legends Begin,” the commemoration ceremony brought together church leaders, government officials, football administrators, community representatives and family of Dr T Ao to honour the life and contributions of Dr T Ao, widely remembered as India’s “barefoot captain” who led the national team at the 1948 London Olympic Games.
Rev Temsü Jamir, Executive Secretary of the Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM), reflected on the football icon’s legacy, described the occasion as a historic moment celebrating “one of the greatest sons of our soil,” whose journey from humble beginnings to international recognition continues to inspire generations. He noted that the Impur Mission School, now Clark Memorial Higher Secondary School, nurtured Dr T Ao’s discipline, resilience, and leadership, shaping his path to becoming India’s Olympic football captain.
Emphasising the significance of the commemoration, he said the naming of the ground was not merely to honour a sportsman but to celebrate a life of humility, service, and inspiration, encouraging youth to pursue excellence through perseverance and dedication.
Grateful tributes were also delivered by Nagaland Football Association (NFA) President K Neibou Sekhose, Secretary of Youth Resources & Sports Anthony Ngullie, IAS, representatives of Ao Senden, and the Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA).
Sekhose termed the renaming of the ground as a historic recognition of Dr T Ao, whom he described as the first captain of the Indian Olympic football team and a role model for youth. He highlighted various initiatives undertaken over the years to honour the footballer, including the Dr T Ao Trophy and the renaming of the Junior Girls National Football Championship after him, while underscoring football’s role in promoting unity and merit.
Anthony Ngullie, IAS, Secretary, Youth Resources & Sports and President of the Nagaland Veteran Football Association, described Dr T Ao as a national hero whose name is etched in the history of Indian football. He noted the significance of Dr T Ao captaining India shortly after Independence and playing barefoot, demonstrating character, discipline, and commitment. He further stated that the commemoration would inspire young athletes to dream boldly and uphold the values of sportsmanship and service.
Imtipokyim, the General Secretary of Ao Senden termed the occasion a significant chapter in the history of football in Mokokchung, expressing hope that the ground would inspire future generations of sportspersons. He emphasised the need to preserve Dr T Ao’s legacy through sustained sporting activities and youth engagement.
MDFA President Akok Longkumer said the initiative would strengthen grassroots football development in the district, noting that talent often emerges from village playgrounds and community spaces. He expressed hope that the ground would serve as a symbol of aspiration for young players.
The declaration and unveiling of the Dr T Ao Ground was carried out by K Neibou Sekhose, followed by a dedicatory prayer by Rev Temsü Jamir and a tribute song themed “Where Legends Begin.”
The programme also featured a presentation depicting Dr T Ao’s formative years, portraying his childhood in Changki village and his early football journey at the Impur mission ground using improvised balls made from rags and pomelos and a feature match between NFA XI and ABAM XI.
