SportsDesk, 28th August: The North East Football Development Council (NEFDC) is set to launch significant football initiatives aimed at enhancing the sport in the region. At a recent meeting in Meghalaya, chaired by council president Lalnghinglova Hmar, plans for an inter-club league and the revival of the Dr T Ao Football Tournament were discussed.
The proposed club franchise league, still in the preliminary planning stages, seeks to engage the North East’s enthusiastic football fanbase and further develop the sport in the region, which has been pivotal to Indian football’s growth.
Hmar highlighted the council’s vision of fostering regional cooperation to advance football, acknowledging the diverse levels of progress within the North East states. “There’s a brotherhood that brings us together to lift this game in this beautiful region,” he said.
Additionally, the NEFDC intends to approach the North Eastern Council and the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region to revive the Dr T Ao Football Tournament for state teams, which has been inactive since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The council also plans to petition the All India Football Federation to name a national tournament after Dr Talimeren Ao, the first captain of independent India’s football team and the country’s flagbearer at the 1948 London Olympics. Hmar emphasized Dr Ao’s significance, noting, “Dr T Ao represented all of us as the North East was undivided back then.”
The NEFDC has also announced its office bearers for 2024-28:
- President: Lalnghinglova Hmar
- General Secretary: Kipa Ajay
- Senior Vice-President: Menla Ethenpa
- Vice-Presidents: Hamletson Dohling, M Ratan Kr Singh
- Treasurer: Neibou Sekhose
- Assistant General Secretary: Dr Sangrang Brahma
- Executive Members: Amit Chaudhuri, Benel M Lamthiu, Gebin Kato, L Jyotirmoy Roy, Phurba Sherpa, Hiren Gogoi, Lalrengpuia, Cliff Nongrum