Dimapur District Football Association Revives League with Memorial Trophy

Kohima, India Aug 28, 2026 ALN: Secures 15-year sponsorship from Advisor H Tovihoto Ayemi’s family

DIMAPUR, AUG 27: The Dimapur District Football Association (DDFA) is set to revive the Dimapur District Football Association League with the inaugural DDFA League-cum-Late Hejeto Aye Memorial Trophy scheduled from September 15 to October 5. Announcing the league at a press conference on Wednesday, DDFA president Mughato Aye stated that the league was being revived after a gap of several years, with the last edition held around 2021.

The revival of the DDFA League is significant as it underscores the growing interest in football within the region, particularly in Dimapur, which has a rich history in the sport. The DDFA intends to make the league an annual event, following a 15-year sponsorship commitment from the family of Advisor H Tovihoto Ayemi in memory of his late father, Hejeto Aye. Mughato noted that the DDFA had been in discussions with the family since December and that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had now been reached, with the formal signing expected to take place soon.

This long-term sponsorship is expected to provide much-needed stability to the local football fraternity and help restore Dimapur’s position as one of the state’s football strongholds. Historically, Dimapur has been a powerhouse of football in , producing a large number of players who have gone on to represent the state at various levels of competition, including national tournaments. However, in recent years, the district has witnessed a decline in its football activities, partly due to inadequate sporting infrastructure and a lack of organized competitions.

Aye particularly highlighted the absence of an artificial football turf in Dimapur, stating that the DDFA had waited for several years after the state government announced plans to establish artificial turfs in all districts. “Kohima was the first to get one. After that, the whole sports fraternity expected Dimapur to be the second, but for some reason, we have not received it yet,” he said. The lack of suitable playing surfaces has hindered the development of local talent and limited opportunities for regular training, especially during the rainy season when the natural grass pitches become unplayable.

He expressed concern over the condition of the DDSC Stadium, adding that the lack of a proper playing surface made regular training difficult. The stadium, which has been a central venue for various sports events in Dimapur, is in dire need of renovations and upgrades to meet modern standards. Aye's appeal to the state government and civil society organizations to push for an artificial turf in Dimapur emphasizes the urgent need for better infrastructure to nurture the district’s football talent and ensure that local players have the facilities necessary to improve their skills and compete effectively.

The proposed Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex, which is set to be transferred to the Sports Authority of India (SAI), has raised concerns about accessibility for the local population. While acknowledging that SAI could provide quality infrastructure, Mughato mentioned that public access could potentially be restricted. This situation raises questions about how local athletes will be able to utilize the facility for training and competitions. He added that Dimapur could not afford to wait indefinitely for the complex to become operational and needed an alternative facility to continue developing local football talent. The lack of immediate solutions could further exacerbate the decline in football participation and performance in the region.

Regarding the prize money for the league, Mughato stated that the detailed structure would be announced before the commencement of the league. He informed that the top four teams would advance to a championship phase, with prize money to be awarded in both categories. This competitive structure aims to incentivize participation and elevate the level of play, encouraging teams to invest in their training and performance.

Briefing on Late Hejeto Aye, after whom the trophy has been named, Mughato said he was a pioneer of Dimapur who settled in the area in 1951 and served as a village head (GB). He played a significant role in the development of Dimapur during the 1950s and 1960s. Recognizing his contributions through this memorial trophy not only honors his legacy but also serves to inspire the current generation of players and officials to strive for excellence in the sport.

Meanwhile, DDFA general secretary Lanutoshi Yaden mentioned that the tournament would feature eight teams this year on a first-come, first-served basis due to the limited preparation time. Two matches would be played each day, providing ample opportunity for teams to showcase their talent and compete for the title. The league structure, combined with the sponsorship and community support, aims to revitalize football in Dimapur and potentially lay the groundwork for future growth in the sport.

The revival of the DDFA League reflects a broader trend in Indian sports, where local associations are increasingly seeking to foster grassroots talent and provide competitive platforms for young athletes. Football, being one of the most popular sports globally, has the potential to unite communities, promote healthy competition, and encourage youth engagement in sports. As the DDFA League sets to kick off, it symbolizes hope for a new era of football in Dimapur, with aspirations of nurturing future stars and rekindling the district's football legacy.