The 5th Nagaland Futsal Club Championship 2026 began at Riga Astro-turf in Tseminyu with 10 teams competing.
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Our Correspondent
KOHIMA — The Nagaland Futsal Club Championship 2026, organised by the Nagaland Football Association (NFA) and hosted by the Football Association Tseminyu District (FATO), kicked off on Thursday at the Riga Astroturf, New Terogvunyu, Tseminyu. The tournament will conclude on June 20.
A total of 10 teams from different districts are vying for the championship title. The winners will receive a cash prize of INR 1 lakh, while the runners-up will be awarded INR 50,000. The winning team will also represent the state of Nagaland at the National Futsal Championship.
The 5th edition of the tournament features two groups of five teams each. Group A comprises RM Boy's FC (Dimapur), Vanguard Academy (Tseminyu), Aphuyemi FC (Zunheboto), Vanguard FC (Tseminyu), and TRS FC (Tuensang). Group B consists of Aspirants FC (Kohima), Ipuing FC (Peren), SC Nagaland (Mon), Legacy FC (Wokha), and CTYC (Chümoukedima).
Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Chairman of IDAN, and Secretary General of the Nagaland Olympic Association, Abu Metha attended the event and lauded Tseminyu district for organising its first state-level championship, stating that hosting such an event is a duty and service to the Naga people.
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He expressed confidence that the Tseminyu district will make a historical contribution to the state in the coming days. He added that sports create opportunities and make dreams come true, noting that one does not need recommendations from influential persons to reach the top level in sports, as only hard work matters.
Metha said the state government is making efforts to create opportunities, develop infrastructure, and strengthen the sports ecosystem. As the government plans to construct a futsal ground in all the districts of the state, he requested that the district administration of Tseminyu identify an appropriate location for the project.
MLA and Chairman of DPDB Tseminyu, Jwenga Seb, who was the chief host, stated that the championship is not merely a sporting competition but a platform that provides opportunities, builds confidence, and opens new pathways for young people to dream, compete, and excel.
He expressed that the event would serve as a platform where talent is tested, friendships are formed, and memories are created, providing young athletes an opportunity to showcase their skills, learn from one another, and carry forward the spirit of football with pride and determination.
On behalf of the district, he also requested the Nagaland Football Association to consider installing an 11-a-side astroturf football field at the Tseminyu Local Ground.
President of the NFA, Neibou Sekhose, expressed gratitude to the Football Association of Tseminyu for accepting the challenge to host the championship despite being only three years old, which he said showed their determination and willingness to promote futsal and football.
He expressed belief that the championship will bring people from across the state together and produce a galaxy of sportspersons. He also noted the need for more such tournaments to foster unity.
Sekhose stressed that the tournament will build players and a football culture, helping players progress to higher-level tournaments. He added that discipline is necessary for success in life, noting that self-imposed discipline works best.