Nagaland is proudly represented by two football teams at the 7th National Masters Games 2025, currently taking place in Dharamshala. The state’s veteran footballers are competing in the 40+ and 50+ age categories, joining a diverse group of athletes from across India in this prestigious multi-sport event. The games are organized by the Master Games Association, Himachal Pradesh, under the guidance of the Super Master Games & Sports Federation of India.
Nagaland Delegation Led by Key Officials
The Nagaland contingent is under the leadership of Roko Angami, Officer on Special Duty to the Government of Nagaland and National Advisor to the National Master Games Association (NMGA). Accompanying him is Yambemo Humtsoe, the General Secretary of the Nagaland Master Games Association, highlighting the strong organizational support for the state’s participation.
Team Management and Coaching Staff
For the 40+ category, Longshithung Patton has taken on the role of team manager, with A. Ngangshiba Sangtam serving as the coach. The 50+ team is being managed by Razouvituo Chatsu, who also holds the position of Vice President of the NMGA. Mhao Lotha is the coach for the 50+ team. Both teams arrived in Dharamshala on April 20th and commenced their league matches on April 22nd at the Police Ground.
Nagaland’s Group Stage Opponents
In the 40+ Pool A group, the Nagaland team is set to compete against formidable opponents including Haryana, Assam (A), Kerala, and Assam (B). The 50+ team has been placed in Pool A and will face challenges from Assam (A) and West Bengal.
Opening Ceremony Highlights Camaraderie and Sportsmanship
The opening ceremony of the 7th National Masters Games 2025 was graced by Rajesh Dharmani, Himachal Pradesh’s Minister of Technical Education, who served as the chief guest. In his address, Dharmani emphasized the significance of camaraderie and sportsmanship fostered by such events. He stated, “This event is more than competition—it is about building bridges between states and promoting a culture of fitness, even beyond one’s prime years.” He also commended the organizers for providing a valuable platform for experienced athletes to continue showcasing their skills and dedication.
A Platform for Master Athletes and Inter-State Ties
The Nagaland delegation is part of a larger gathering of participants from numerous states, engaging in a week-long tournament that encompasses various sports disciplines beyond football. The core objective of the National Masters Games is to encourage athletic participation among veteran athletes and strengthen the bonds between states through the spirit of competition.
Enthusiasm and High Hopes from Nagaland Contingent
The players and officials representing Nagaland have expressed their excitement about participating in the tournament and are optimistic about their chances against strong competitors.
The 7th edition of the National Masters Games is scheduled to conclude on April 26th.
As the 7th National Masters Games 2025 progresses in Dharamshala, the participation of Nagaland’s spirited football teams in the 40+ and 50+ categories underscores the enduring passion for sports and the commitment to healthy competition that transcends age. Led by dedicated officials and fuelled by the enthusiasm of its veteran players, Nagaland’s presence in this national event not only showcases the state’s athletic talent but also reinforces the unifying power of sports in fostering friendship and inter-state connections. With the tournament drawing to a close on April 26th, the experiences and memories forged on the field will undoubtedly resonate within the Nagaland contingent and contribute to the broader spirit of the Masters Games movement in India.