Maharashtra clinched the Dr T Ao Junior Girls National Football Championship (Tier-2) with a decisive 4–1 victory over Uttar Pradesh, in a tournament that officials say has further boosted Nagaland’s growing presence on India’s football map.
The final at Chümoukedima Football Stadium marked the end of several days of competition involving young talents from across the country. Organisers said the championship was significant not only for the on-field results but also for its contribution to promoting women’s football and honouring Dr T Ao — the legendary footballer from Nagaland after whom the tournament has recently been renamed.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, state sports advisor S. Keoshu Yimchunger praised the seamless coordination among coaches, referees, volunteers and medical personnel, noting that their effort was crucial to the tournament’s success. He said the event highlighted discipline, skill and sportsmanship among the players and urged them to keep pushing for excellence as they move ahead in their careers.
Yimchunger also emphasised the sense of unity displayed by athletes from different regions, saying the championship once again showed how football can bring people together and teach young players to handle both victory and defeat with maturity.
The Changki Village Council also welcomed the renaming of the championship in honour of Dr Talimeren Ao. Council chair Tsupongtsungba called it a “fitting tribute” to a sporting icon from Nagaland and thanked the Nagaland Football Association for pursuing the proposal. He said hosting the 2025–26 edition of the tournament was a moment of pride for the community and the state.
As the event drew to a close, organisers said the celebration was not limited to Maharashtra’s victory but extended to all teams whose performances embodied the spirit and legacy associated with the tournament.