New local league aims to strengthen Kohima’s football pathway
The Atuo Mezhur Sekhose Super League 2026 was inaugurated at the IG Stadium in Kohima on Wednesday, with five teams contesting the first edition of a competition designed to provide a broader platform for young players in Nagaland. The tournament was organised by the Kohima District Football Association under the aegis of the Nagaland Football Association, in collaboration with the Department of Youth Resources and Sports.
Launched in memory of the late Atuo Mezhur Sekhose, the league was unveiled by Nagaland Football Association president and All India Football Federation (AIFF) Executive Committee member Neibou Sekhose, who formally presented the tournament trophy during the inaugural programme.
"Competitions such as the new league could help strengthen Nagaland’s football ecosystem by creating more opportunities for young players to be identified and developed," said Director of Youth Resources and Sports Kethosituo Sekhose.
The opening match saw Tsütuonuomia Youth Organisation play against Mez & Co. With five teams participating in the maiden edition, organisers expect the league to add to existing pathways for talent identification and development across the state. The Department of Youth Resources and Sports attended the launch as collaborating partners and emphasised the importance of discipline and sportsmanship.
Structure, purpose and immediate objectives
Organisers described the league as a platform intended to give emerging players regular, competitive football and to complement other tournaments and coaching programmes in Nagaland. The league’s stated aims include:
- Providing match exposure and scouting opportunities for young footballers;
- Strengthening the local football ecosystem through organised competition;
- Honouring the memory of Atuo Mezhur Sekhose and encouraging community engagement with the sport.
At the inaugural ceremony, officials urged participating teams to maintain standards of behaviour on and off the field, underscoring that discipline and mutual respect are central to long-term player development.
Participants and competition format
The organising body confirmed five teams will compete in the first edition. The opening fixture—Tsütuonuomia Youth Organisation versus Mez & Co—marked the start of the league at the IG Stadium. The presence of the Nagaland Football Association and the Department of Youth Resources and Sports highlights an intent to integrate the competition into the broader state football calendar.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Venue | IG Stadium, Kohima |
| Organisers | Kohima District Football Association; Nagaland Football Association; Dept. of Youth Resources & Sports |
| Teams | Five teams (opening match: Tsütuonuomia Youth Organisation v Mez & Co) |
Officials present at the launch included representatives from the Nagaland Football Association. The involvement of Neibou Sekhose as a national-level football administrator lends visibility to the competition and signals potential pathways for standout performers to be noticed at higher administrative levels.
Organisers indicated the league will run as scheduled and serve as an additional competitive platform for players in Kohima and surrounding districts. They said the tournament is expected to contribute to ongoing efforts to develop players capable of progressing to higher levels of the sport, while also building local interest and engagement in football.
Further details on the fixture schedule, venues for subsequent matches and rules of the competition were to be released by the Kohima District Football Association as the tournament progresses.
