KOHIMA — In a decisive move to transform Nagaland into a powerhouse of sporting talent, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has unveiled an ambitious plan to modernise the state’s sports infrastructure. Speaking at the inauguration of the 24th Dr. T Ao Inter-District Football Tournament at the Indira Gandhi Stadium on Friday, Rio reiterated his government’s unwavering commitment to building a robust ecosystem for athletes. The Chief Minister’s address resonated with a clear vision: to not only provide top-tier facilities but also to strategically position Nagaland to tap into the burgeoning global sports industry.
The cornerstone of this initiative is the widespread development of astroturf football grounds across all districts, a project already well underway. Six such grounds have been successfully completed in key locations including Dimapur, Phek, Mon, Mokokchung, Tuensang, and Chümoukedima. This push is part of a larger, comprehensive sports infrastructure programme that also includes the construction of 28 futsal courts and 31 multipurpose sports buildings, all aimed at nurturing a new generation of Naga athletes. Rio underscored the economic potential of sports, highlighting that the global industry is valued at a staggering $600 billion. He declared that Nagaland is moving beyond viewing sports merely as entertainment, instead seeing it as a significant economic opportunity.
Furthering this commitment to talent development, the Chief Minister’s Sports Scholarship initiative is already bearing fruit. The programme has facilitated advanced training for 16 promising footballers and coaches, and has even sent two bowlers abroad for specialised coaching. In a testament to the effectiveness of these efforts, Rio shared the impressive performance of 20 young footballers from a JSW Steel sports facility in Bengaluru, who recently showcased their skills with a resounding 4-0 victory in an exhibition match. The tournament itself, named in honour of the legendary Dr. Talimeren Ao, serves as a poignant reminder of the state’s rich footballing heritage. Rio paid a heartfelt tribute to Dr. T Ao, who captained Independent India’s first Olympic team in 1948, calling his journey from a barefoot village boy to an Olympic captain a perennial source of inspiration for Naga youth. The Chief Minister also expressed his gratitude to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for renaming the Junior Girls’ National Football Championship in Dr. T Ao’s honour, a fitting tribute to the icon’s unifying legacy. As the two-week-long tournament commenced, Rio offered his best wishes to all the participating teams, concluding with a powerful statement that perfectly captured the spirit of the event: “To be remembered is a blessing, but to be remembered through football is a greater honour.”
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