DIMAPUR — The 23rd edition of the inter-district football tournament, the Dr. T Ao Trophy, organised by the Nagaland Football Association (NFA) and hosted by the Tuensang District Football Association (TDFA) at Loyem Memorial Astro Turf Ground, Tuensang, kicked off on Tuesday. The tournament was inaugurated by Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland, as the principal guest, with S Keoshu Yimkhuing, MLA and Advisor for Youth Resources and Sports, attending as the special guest. Speaking on the occasion, Rio expressed how Dr. T Ao, a legendary figure and captain of the Indian football team at the 1948 London Olympics, as well as a sought-after player by European football clubs, greatly inspired the people of Nagaland. Rio urged the youth to carry on Dr. T Ao’s legacy in the field of sports and assured that the government is committed to providing better infrastructure in all districts. The chief minister also lauded the Department of Youth Resources and Sports for pursuing the vision and dreams of the youth in sports and music. He stated that the government is committed to promoting sports and music in the state, with 2024 declared the “Year of Youth Empowerment”. Noting the success of Hokato Hotozhe Sema,...