In a spectacular climax to the 24th Dr. T. Ao Inter-District Football Championship 2025, Mon district emerged victorious, lifting the prestigious Dr. T. Ao Trophy after defeating Niuland in a nail-biting penalty shootout at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima. The final, which coincided with the 79th Independence Day celebrations, drew a record-breaking crowd of over 30,000 fans inside the stadium and captivated more than 1.3 lakh online viewers.
The Mon vs Niuland final was nothing short of a cultural phenomenon. Fans traveled from across Nagaland and beyond, turning the stadium into a cauldron of passion, unity, and pride. The electrifying atmosphere was filled with chants, traditional beats, and colorful displays of support for both teams.
Niuland took the early lead in the 14th minute when Kakhevi Assumi confidently converted a penalty, stunning Mon supporters. But the defending Mon side showed resilience, leveling the score in the 45th minute through a powerful indirect free-kick strike from their top scorer K. Arap.
Despite relentless attacks, the match remained locked at 1–1 through full time and extra time. With the title on the line, the game was decided through penalties. Mon displayed nerves of steel, converting five of their six spot-kicks, while Niuland faltered at crucial moments, missing two. The final scoreline read 5–4 on penalties, sealing Mon’s championship glory. Mon district’s triumph came with more than silverware. They received a total cash prize of ₹5 lakh (₹3 lakh as the champion’s prize plus an additional ₹2 lakh contribution from Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio). Niuland, the runners-up, were awarded ₹3 lakh (₹2 lakh plus an additional ₹1 lakh from the CM).
Individual awards were also handed out:
Best Defender – Thejangulie Zatsu (Kohima)
Best Midfielder – Sentilong (Mokokchung)
Golden Glove – Teihom Konyak (Mon)
Golden Boot – Ayenmongba (Tuensang)
Golden Ball – Kakhevi Assumi (Niuland)
Each winner received ₹10,000 and a trophy, except for the Golden Ball awardee, who received ₹15,000 along with a trophy.
Both teams showcased dominance in earlier rounds. Mon defeated Mokokchung in an emphatic semifinal, while Niuland secured a hard-fought 3–2 victory against Kohima. Their journeys highlighted the rising standard of grassroots football in Nagaland, inspiring countless young players.
The massive turnout and digital engagement underscored the tournament’s growing popularity, making it clear that football is more than a sport—it is a unifying force in Nagaland.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, addressing the packed stadium at the closing ceremony, hailed the day as “momentous” for two reasons—the celebration of Independence Day and the grand finale of the Dr. T. Ao Trophy.
Rio paid tribute to Dr. Talimeren Ao, India’s first football captain at the 1948 London Olympics, describing him as a disciplined and humble figure whose legacy continues to inspire Naga youth. He reminded the crowd that the true essence of sports lies in teamwork, fairness, and sportsmanship—values that extend beyond the football pitch into everyday life.
The Chief Minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting sports by building infrastructure, offering professional training, and ensuring that sporting ambitions grow alongside education. He urged citizens to carry forward the spirit of brotherhood fostered during the tournament into A society at large.
As Mon District Wins Dr. T. Ao Trophy 2025 in Thrilling Finale Against Niuland, This 24th Dr. T. Ao Inter-District Football Championship 2025 was more than just a football contest; it was a celebration of Nagaland’s unity, identity, and love for the game. From the packed stadiums and record-breaking broadcast reach to the inspirational performances of players, the tournament has set a new benchmark for state-level football in India.
As Mon’s historic victory will be remembered not only for their resilience under pressure but also for the sense of collective pride it evoked across Nagaland. The Dr. T. Ao Trophy 2025 has reaffirmed football’s place as a cultural heartbeat of the state—binding communities together and inspiring future generations of athletes.
