The inaugural season of the Nagaland Super League (NSL) has concluded, marking a significant milestone in reshaping Nagaland sporting future. Launched as the state’s first professional football league, the Nagaland super league garnered substantial attention and praise for its organization and profound impact. The overwhelming support from fans and the strong commitment from key stakeholders, including the Nagaland state government, various sports bodies, and corporate sponsors, underscored the league’s resounding success.
The Nagaland super league has not only set a new benchmark for future sporting leagues within Nagaland but has also ignited considerable interest at the grassroots level and reshaping Nagaland sporting future. Initiatives to actively involve schools and youth in football are underway, signalling a long-term vision for the sport’s development. The league’s burgeoning popularity and the palpable excitement surrounding it are instrumental in shifting the perception of football in Nagaland, increasingly positioning it as a legitimate and promising career path for young, aspiring players. Despite its initial success, the NSL encountered challenges, notably concerning the limitations in existing sports infrastructure and available resources. However, Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio has provided crucial assurances of addressing these issues, promising improvements in infrastructure and increased stadium seating capacity to accommodate the growing enthusiasm.
Nagaland Post, the official print media partner for the NSL, recently conducted an exclusive interview with Abu Metha, the Vice-President of the Athletic Federation of India, Secretary General of the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA), and a key member of the Nagaland super league governing body. In this insightful conversation, Abu Metha shared the journey of the Nagaland super league successful first season and outlined the exciting future that lies ahead for football and the NSL in Nagaland.
On Congratulating for the successful completion of the NSL. Abu Metha expressed satisfaction stating, it is immensely satisfying to witness the collective success of the inaugural NSL season. While there’s always room for growth and improvement in any event, I believe this first edition was an overwhelming success. This achievement was made possible by the incredible passion and support of the football fans, the unwavering commitment of the franchisees, the dedicated efforts of the Nagaland Football Association and the NOA, and the crucial support extended by the state government. It was truly a collaborative team effort, and that synergy was pivotal in ensuring the league’s success, especially considering it was the very first edition. We also had to overcome initial scepticism stemming from past unsuccessful league attempts. Strategic planning and unwavering commitment were key, and I believe the league exceeded many expectations. I am genuinely happy with what we have accomplished.
When asked about some of the biggest challenges faced during organisation of the first season, Abu Metha said Organizing any event in Nagaland presents its own set of challenges, and a sporting event of this scale is no exception. The most significant hurdles we faced were infrastructure and resource limitations. We are still developing a comprehensive sporting ecosystem in the state. Take the Chümoukedima Football Stadium, for instance. It stands as the first and only dedicated football stadium in Nagaland. For a professional league to thrive, we need multiple such venues. Ultimately, we had to concentrate our efforts on just two venues and take complete ownership of the planning and execution. However, infrastructure extends beyond just the playing field. Essential elements such as locker rooms, spectator galleries, media centers, commentary booths, and telecast facilities were largely absent. We had to build these from the ground up. Funding was another significant challenge. While the state government’s support of ₹4 crore was substantial, a significant portion went towards prize money, taxes, and GST. The timely intervention and sponsorship support from IDAN were crucial in enabling us to execute the league at the scale we envisioned. So, while the challenges were real, our teamwork and determination allowed us to navigate them effectively.
With the NSL now established, do you believe football will be viewed as a viable profession by the youth of Nagaland? Abu Metha replied Absolutely. Football has always held the position of the most popular sport in Nagaland, and we have a rich sporting legacy. Dr. T. Ao holds the distinction of being the first Olympic football captain of independent India in 1948. While we frequently acknowledge his achievements, we haven’t seen significant progress beyond that era, with the exception of notable individuals like Chekrovolu in archery and Hotoshe in the Paralympics. However, I am confident that the NSL is poised to change this narrative. I believe that football in Nagaland will never be the same again. There are pivotal moments when a benchmark is set, and it fundamentally alters the landscape. The Indian cricket team’s World Cup victory in 1983 serves as a powerful example of such a transformative event. It not only revolutionized cricket but also had a broader impact on the nation’s perspective and its standing on the global stage. I believe the Nagaland super league has the potential to create a similar transformative impact for football in Nagaland. From its inception, our vision for the Nagaland super league was to establish a truly professional league. We implemented stringent franchise guidelines and regulations to ensure this. Now, there is a clear and visible pathway for young footballers to pursue their dreams professionally. Furthermore, the league is creating new opportunities beyond playing, in areas such as sports management, media, and marketing.
When asked about future plans to expand the league structure to include school-level competitions? Metha explained, Grassroots development has been a top priority since the very inception of the NSL. We are actively working on distributing thousands of footballs to schools across every district in Nagaland through a collaborative effort with the Education Department, the All-India Football Federation (AIFF), and FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association). These footballs are being provided by the federation and will be distributed to schools statewide. Furthermore, we are developing a comprehensive education program aimed at training our physical education teachers to become qualified coaches, referees, and technical staff. This is crucial because nurturing talent effectively at the grassroots level requires trained professionals. In addition to these initiatives, every Nagaland super league team is mandated to include at least six U-20 players in their squad, with a minimum of two U-20 players in the starting eleven, and each of these players must participate in at least six games. The Nagaland super league governing body meticulously oversees and monitors these requirements. Therefore, while establishing a professional league is our primary focus, we are simultaneously conducting extensive outreach programs through schools to foster grassroots development.
For long-term sustainability and growth, consistent corporate sponsorship is vital so securing sustained corporate sponsorship is a key area of focus. The government has pledged its support for the initial years, but our ultimate goal is for the NSL to become financially self-sufficient within the next five years. This necessitates building a strong foundation now. We have already witnessed a tremendous response from the fans. During the playoffs and finals, they had to close the ticket counters as the stadium reached full capacity. This clearly demonstrates the significant potential for revenue generation. Moreover, the NSL has broadened the perspective of the sports fraternity, showcasing that football is not merely a 90-minute game but a comprehensive six-hour experience encompassing fan zones, live music, food stalls, merchandise stands, season tickets, and corporate boxes. This holistic approach transforms a football match into a full-fledged entertainment experience. While many in Nagaland may not have experienced events like the Champions League or the Premier League firsthand, those who have understand that it’s not just about the sport itself; it’s a multi-faceted industry. We need the continued support and partnership of the corporate sector. Nagaland’s football following has been clearly demonstrated, providing significant visibility for potential sponsors. With this level of visibility, I am confident that corporate interest will continue to grow. Furthermore, we need to strategically monetize all aspects of the league, from ticket sales and merchandise to potential pay-per-view options. This will ensure that the benefits of the league directly reach the players and contribute to its overall financial health metha said.
The overwhelming demand for tickets during the playoffs and finals, with people eagerly seeking entry, was indeed a positive indicator of the league’s popularity. For the first time, people in Nagaland were willing to purchase tickets to attend football matches. Even after increased ticket prices during the final stages, and the demand continued to surge. While it was unfortunate that some fans were unable to secure tickets, it undeniably highlights the league’s success and growing popularity. Our Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, publicly acknowledged the pressing need for larger stadiums during the closing ceremony, and informed that the relevant department is actively working on this. Given the Chief Minister’s public commitment, planning for the second season are already in progress as stated by metha, and having larger capacity stadiums and more venues is crucial to allow more fans to experience the excitement of the NSL. However, all these developments need to be carefully synchronized. While having stadiums in districts like Tuensang, Kiphire, and Peren would be ideal for broader reach, we must also consider the logistical challenges. Can teams travel to and from these locations efficiently? Will teams have adequate rest periods between matches? Is the connectivity infrastructure sufficient? These are critical questions that need careful consideration.
Regarding infrastructure, the potential impact of the incomplete Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex, particularly its football stadium in Dimapur, was highlighted. It was strongly suggested that its completion would have significantly amplified the NSL’s initial impact, given Dimapur’s central location and commercial importance, which would have likely drawn much larger crowds. While past events at the Dimapur District Sports Council (DDSC) Stadium demonstrated strong fan engagement, they also presented considerable logistical challenges, notably concerning parking and traffic management within the city. In contrast, the Chümoukedima venue offered some improvements, though parking remained a concern addressed through the utilization of multiple grounds during peak events. The lessons learned from the inaugural season are expected to contribute to more efficient management in future tournaments. The completion of the multi-disciplinary sports complex, with adequate funding from both the Government of India and the state government, is viewed as crucial in reshaping Nagaland sporting future.
The topic of financial stability and the potential implementation of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations for the upcoming Nagaland super league season was addressed. It was noted that no strict financial regulations were in place for the initial season, deemed appropriate given the league’s current scale. While acknowledging potential disparities in financial resources among teams, the primary focus remains on the welfare and development of the players, with the understanding that investments directly benefiting them are currently not viewed as problematic. However, the financial landscape of the league will continue to be monitored, and the implementation of appropriate regulations will be considered as the NSL expands.
The personal significance of the Nagaland super league was also discussed in reshaping Nagaland sporting future. It was conveyed that sport is a deeply held passion, stemming from personal experience as a national-level athlete and a subsequent transition into sports administration. The driving force behind involvement in Nagaland’s sports associations is a genuine love for sport and a commitment to its progress, often involving personal contributions. The unique unity and lack of legal disputes within Nagaland’s sports bodies were emphasized. The NSL holds particular significance in the belief that the youth of Nagaland possess the talent to achieve excellence at the highest levels, and contributing to their dreams is a primary motivation. The overarching vision is to see Naga youth succeed in major international sporting events, inspiring broader achievements across various fields and recognizing sport as a significant avenue for Nagaland’s advancement on the global stage. The Nagaland super league is seen as a crucial step in realizing this potential within the multi-billion-dollar sports industry.
Looking towards in reshaping Nagaland sporting future, projections for the next five to ten years envision an increasing number of talented players from Nagaland transitioning into the I-League within the next year and potentially reaching the Indian Super League (ISL) within two to three years. However, a realistic perspective on India’s current standing in global football rankings was maintained, underscoring the need to also focus on developing other sporting disciplines alongside football, despite its popularity in Nagaland. Increased investment in sports at the state level is deemed essential for achieving significant breakthroughs and realizing aspirations of winning Olympic medals.
Finally, the anticipated commencement of the second NSL season was addressed. The target is this year, 2025. The postponement of the inaugural season, originally planned for the previous year, was attributed to logistical factors, funding considerations, and incomplete infrastructure. The current plan is to align the NSL calendar with the national football schedule, with the upcoming season expected to run through 2025-2026.