Maharashtra Lifts Dr. T. Ao Junior Girls National Football Championship
CHUMOUKEDIMA, Dec 13: Maharashtra emerged champions of the Dr. T. Ao Junior Girls National Football Championship 2025–26 (Tier-2), defeating Uttar Pradesh 4–1 in the final played at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium, Police Complex. The championship concluded with a grand closing ceremony on Wednesday.
Advisor for Youth Resources & Sports, S. Keoshu Yimchunger, graced the occasion as chief guest. Addressing the gathering, Yimchunger expressed deep appreciation for the exemplary coordination and commitment shown by coaches, referees, volunteers, medical teams and all those involved in the smooth conduct of the championship. He said the tournament witnessed extraordinary displays of talent, discipline, sportsmanship and team spirit by young girls from various states.
He further noted that the championship upheld the ideals of the legendary Dr. T. Ao, inspiring a new generation of young athletes across the country. Commending the players for their passion, perseverance and integrity, Yimchunger said that irrespective of winning the trophy, the participants had won hearts through their hard work and dedication. Encouraging the young players, whom he described as the future of women’s football in India, he urged them to dream big, train harder and strive for excellence.
Reflecting on the unity displayed throughout the tournament, Yimchunger highlighted how players from diverse states and cultures came together through their shared love for football. He remarked that true strength lies not only in victory but also in accepting defeat with grace, and wished all teams a safe journey home while urging them to carry forward the spirit of sportsmanship in all their future endeavours.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Changki Village Council, Tsupongtsungba, in an official appreciation note, expressed deep gratitude to Nagaland Football Association president Neibu Sekhose and his team for their persistent efforts in securing the renaming of the Junior Girls’ National Football Championship as the “Dr. Talimeren Ao Junior Girls National Football Championship.”
The Village Council stated that hosting a national-level championship named after the legendary Dr. T. Ao, a prominent figure from Nagaland, is a proud moment for the community, particularly as the 2025–26 season unfolds in the state. The honour was described as a fitting tribute and a living testament to Dr. T. Ao’s enduring legacy.
The Council also extended sincere thanks to the State Government, with special acknowledgement to Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio for championing the initiative and ensuring its successful implementation and hosting. As the championship concluded, the Village Council said the event celebrated not only the participating athletes but also the spirit of Dr. T. Ao that will continue to guide the tournament. (Tovikali, IA, Chümoukedima)
