Kohima: A documentary tracing the life and football career of Dr Talimeren Ao, one of Nagaland’s most celebrated sporting personalities, was released in Kohima on Thursday.
Titled Son of Nagaland, the documentary was presented by the Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) and directed by Kilangtemsu Imsong. It was formally released by Nagaland Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along at CIMORB Hotel, Old Minister’s Hill.
The release was part of the commemorative activities for the 25th Dr T Ao Inter-District Football Tournament, the Silver Jubilee Edition, scheduled to be held from October 13 to 31 at Renpo Lu Sports Complex, Ungma, Mokokchung.
The programme was attended by representatives of the Nagaland Football Association (NFA), members of the Dr Talimeren Ao family, MDFA officials and members of the tournament organising committee.
NFA joint secretary Chenonlo Woch, in his remarks, spoke about the continuing influence of Dr Talimeren Ao’s career and legacy on younger generations.
Woch recalled that Dr Ao left football at the height of his career and returned to Nagaland, highlighting what he described as his commitment and love for his people. He also referred to the historical account of an offer from Arsenal Football Club, saying Dr Ao’s decision to return to Nagaland reflected his desire to serve his people and contribute to society.
Representing the Dr Talimeren Ao family, his granddaughter Ningdangnaro Tally expressed gratitude to the Nagaland government, Department of Youth Resources and Sports, NFA and the organising committee for their efforts in bringing the documentary to fruition.
She said the documentary would help keep her grandfather’s legacy alive for present and future generations.
Son of Nagaland chronicles Dr Ao’s football journey through archival material, personal accounts and historical context, placing his achievements within the broader history of football in Nagaland and India.
Speaking at the launch, Along stressed the importance of taking the documentary to wider platforms so that Dr Ao’s life and achievements could reach a broader audience, particularly younger generations.
The minister also announced that the state’s Department of Higher Education will launch a Dr T Ao lecture and discourse series next year on his birth anniversary, January 28, at Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung.
According to Along, the annual programme will be organised in collaboration with the NFA and MDFA and will focus on Dr Ao’s life and football career as part of educational and research discourse.
Along also said photographs and reports on Dr Ao would be featured in the Hornbill Magazine 2026 as part of the commemoration of the Silver Jubilee Edition of the Dr T Ao Inter-District Football Tournament.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Imsongmeren, director of State Lotteries and secretary of the tournament organising committee.
He acknowledged the contributions of the Dr Ao family, the state government, Department of Youth Resources and Sports, NFA, MDFA and others involved in producing the documentary.
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Dr Talimeren Ao captained the Indian football team at the 1948 London Olympics, becoming part of the country’s early post-Independence sporting history.
‘Son of Nagaland’ seeks to document his journey in football and his contribution to the sport while introducing his story to younger generations.
The documentary release comes ahead of the 25th Dr T Ao Inter-District Football Tournament, which will be held in Ungma from October 13 to 31.
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