Dimapur: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Saturday welcomed the All India Football Federation’s decision to rename the Junior Girls National Football Championship as the Dr. Talimeren Ao Junior Girls National Football Championship, calling it a fitting tribute to Ao’s enduring legacy.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the tournament at Chumoukedima Football Stadium as the special guest, Rio said the championship holds special significance as it honours a remarkable Indian, Dr. Talimeren Ao, who was not only the pride of Nagaland but also the pride of the entire country as India’s first football captain at the 1948 London Olympics.
He noted that this milestone was achieved through the sustained dedication and continuous efforts of the state government and the Nagaland Football Association.
“This unwavering commitment has ensured that Dr. Talimeren Ao’s name will forever be associated with the growth of Indian football,” Rio said.
He added that the tournament will be officially known as the Dr. Talimeren Ao Junior Girls National Football Championship from this season onwards.
Rio described it as a proud moment for Nagaland, marking the first time a national tournament has been named after a Naga personality.
Welcoming attendees to the opening ceremony, he said the occasion is momentous not only because Nagaland is hosting a national football tournament for the first time, but also because it celebrates the unity, strength, and spirit of Indian sports through the participation of talented young players from across the nation.
Speaking about Ao, Rio said, “He was born in Changki village in Mokokchung district and grew up playing barefoot on the rocky grounds of his village, a humble beginning that shaped his strength, discipline, and determination.”
“From those very fields, he rose to lead a newly independent India onto the world stage, proving that courage and passion can overcome every limitation. His leadership, humility, and excellence, both on and off the field, continue to inspire generations across India,” Rio added.