KOHIMA: Officer on Special Duty (Sports), Department of Youth Resources & Sports, Government of Nagaland, Roko Angami on Saturday stressed the need for sustained investment in grassroots football, stating that the future of the sport depends on identifying and nurturing young talent at the grassroots level.
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Speaking at the inaugural programme of the 3rd Kohima District Grassroots Championship 2026 at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, Angami commended the Kohima District Football Association (KDFA), led by President M. Mathew Yhome, for its dedicated efforts in promoting football among children and youth. Describing grassroots football as the foundation of the sport, Angami said it instils values such as teamwork, discipline, perseverance, sportsmanship and character. He added that football is a universal language that brings people together irrespective of wealth, caste, religion or background, where commitment and hard work remain the true measures of success.
Highlighting the government’s initiatives to strengthen sports development, Angami said the Department of Youth Resources & Sports has been creating opportunities for aspiring athletes through programmes such as the Baby League, Grassroot Football Tournament, Zonal School Pre-Subroto Tournaments, Inter-KIC Tournament, Women’s Futsal League, and the State-Level School Pre-Subroto Tournament.
He further noted that under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, Nagaland has developed more than 30 futsal grounds and several artificial turf grounds, while additional football infrastructure is currently under construction across the state. Encouraging young footballers to make full use of these opportunities, Angami said infrastructure alone cannot produce champions.
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He urged players to remain disciplined, develop self-control, work harder than others, and practise consistently to achieve excellence. Calling on participants to uphold the spirit of fair play, he encouraged them to respect their opponents, play with courage and enjoy the game, describing the championship as an important step in their football journey. He concluded his address by wishing all teams success and saying, “May the best team win.”
The inaugural programme was chaired by Ngurieno (Regina) Chasie, Women Coordinator of KDFA, while the invocation was offered by Khriezosielie Belho, Assistant Pastor, Khedi Baptist Kehou. M. Mathew Yhome, President of KDFA, delivered the welcome address, followed by a special musical performance by Jojo Gangmei. Angami later officially declared the championship open before matches commenced with the participation of young footballers from across Kohima district.
