Kohima: The Nagaland men’s blind football team delivered an impressive performance at the 7th Men’s and 4th Women’s IBFF Northeast/East Zonal Blind Football Championship 2026, held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from July 1 to 3, securing the runners-up title and qualifying for the upcoming National Blind Football Championship.
Nagaland topped Group B after a dominant run in the league stage, earning direct entry into the semi-finals. In a tense knockout clash against Assam, the match ended in a stalemate and was decided through a penalty shootout.
Goalkeeper Rongsenyanger emerged as the hero for Nagaland, saving all three of Assam’s penalty attempts. Chingdang Phom then converted the decisive spot-kick to hand Nagaland a 1–0 victory and a place in the final.
In the championship match, Nagaland faced Meghalaya, regarded as one of India’s strongest blind football teams. Despite a spirited display, Nagaland went down 0–3 to the formidable Meghalaya side and finished as runners-up.
Chingdang Phom was also named Emerging Player of the Tournament for his standout performances throughout the competition. He had earlier scored a crucial goal against Mizoram during the group stage.
In the women’s category, Odisha emerged champions while West Bengal finished runners-up.
By virtue of their runners-up finish, the Nagaland men’s team has officially qualified for the National Blind Football Championship, scheduled to be held later this year in November or December.
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The team’s participation was supported by the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD), the Department of Youth Resources & Sports, the Nagaland State Disability Forum (NSDF), Mission to the Blind, and the Lotha Baptist Church, Diphupar ‘B’ Youth Ministry.
The campaign was guided by assistant coach and goal guide Kezhaleto Zecho, while Rongsenyanger also served as goalkeeper and team escort, providing key leadership and tactical support throughout the tournament.
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