UKHRUL, NOVEMBER 19: Nagaland marks a milestone as it prepares to host its first national level football tournament.
The department of Youth Resources and Sports in collaboration with the Nagaland Football association during a press conference announces the Dr. T. Ao Junior National Girls Football Championship 2025 (Tier 2), beginning Saturday (November 22).
All India Football Federation named the event as a tribute to the legendary sportsperson Dr. T. Ao, India’s first Olympic football captain (1948).
A total of 13 teams have registered with each divided into four groups. League matches will lead into the semi-finals with the grand finale taking place on December 11.
CM Neiphiu Rio will attend the opening ceremony as a special guest. The tournament will kick off at 9 a.m with Andaman&Nicobar vs Punjab as the opening match followed by Uttrakhand vs Nagaland as the inaugural match.
All matches will commence at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium.
Director Sekhose appealed to the public to come and witness all the matches. He added that girls sports will play a defining role for the country in the days ahead. Especially with India bidding for the 2036 Olympics and preparing to host the Commonwealth Games.
Entry tickets will be free on the opening day. Organizers are yet to decide for the remaining days but an announcement is expected soon.