Kohima: In a pulsating finale to the 24th edition of the Dr T Ao Inter-District Football Championship, Mon district edged past Niuland 5–4 in a dramatic penalty shootout to lift the coveted trophy at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, on Friday night.
The championship decider, coinciding with the 79th Independence Day celebration, drew a record-breaking crowd of more than 30,000 to the stadium, while close to 1.5 lakh tuned in online during peak moments, making it one of the most-watched grassroots sporting spectacles in Nagaland.
Niuland struck first in the 14th minute when their captain Kakhevi Assumi calmly converted from the penalty spot, stunning the Mon supporters. But Mon responded with resilience, equalising just before halftime through a thunderous indirect free-kick from their top scorer K Arap in the 45th minute.
The match remained locked at 1–1 after regulation and extra time, forcing the decider into a tense penalty shootout. Mon displayed remarkable composure, converting five of their six attempts. Niuland faltered twice, handing Mon a historic win.
Mon took home a total cash prize of Rs 5 lakh, while runners-up Niuland received ₹3 lakh. The official prize money was Rs 3 lakh for the champions and Rs 2 lakh for the runners-up, with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio announcing an additional Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1 lakh respectively.
Individual honours were also presented: Thejangulie Zatsu of Kohima was named Best Defender, Sentilong of Mokokchung Best Midfielder, Teihom Konyak of Mon won the Golden Glove, Ayenmongba of Tuensang took home the Golden Boot, while Niuland’s star striker Kakhevi Assumi was awarded the prestigious Golden Ball. Each winner received Rs 10,000 and a trophy, except the Golden Ball recipient who earned Rs 15,000 along with a trophy.
Each individual award carried ₹10,000 and a trophy, except for the Golden Ball, which was awarded ₹15,000 along with a trophy.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio called the occasion “momentous on two counts”, the celebration of Independence Day and the conclusion of the prestigious state football tournament.
He paid tribute to Dr. T. Ao, the legendary Naga footballer who captained India at the 1948 London Olympics, describing him as a source of inspiration for generations. Rio lauded the tournament for showcasing skill, determination, teamwork and fair play, remarking.
The Chief Minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting sports through infrastructure, training, and talent development, while urging that the spirit of unity fostered on the football field be carried into communities across the state.
The closing ceremony featured a cultural mix of performances by Ace Crew, Colored Keys, Obed Kath, Hentok Konyak, and Kivika Achumi. Invocation was pronounced by Rev Izieteilung Terieng, State Chaplain. Words of appreciation were delivered by NFA general secretary and MLA Benei M. Lamthi-u, while gratitude was expressed by Kohima Deputy Commissioner and Organising Committee member secretary B. Henok Buchem.
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