Kohima, July 8: Riding on the growing popularity of football in Nagaland, the Kohima District Football Association (KDFA) on Wednesday launched the Atuo Mezhür Sekhose Super League, a new district league dedicated to nurturing grassroots talent while honouring one of the state’s most influential football administrators.
The league was formally launched after the KDFA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the family of Late Atuo Mezhür Sekhose at 2K Hotel in Kohima.
The initiative seeks to carry forward Sekhose’s legacy by creating greater opportunities for young footballers and strengthening the sport’s development in Kohima district.
KDFA officials said the Super League will provide a structured platform for emerging players to showcase their talent, gain competitive exposure and progress to state and national-level competitions.
The league is also expected to feature clubs from across Kohima district, with a strong focus on grassroots development, coaching programmes and talent scouting.
Sekhose, who passed away in June 2025 at the age of 77, was widely regarded as one of the architects of football administration in Nagaland. He served as President of the Nagaland Football Association from 1998 to 2020 after serving as its General Secretary, and was also Vice President of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) between 2000 and 2008.
Apart from his contributions to football, he was an educationist and Managing Director of Mezhür Higher Secondary School, Kohima, and also served as the State Chief Commissioner of the Nagaland Bharat Scouts and Guides.
Under the MoU, the KDFA and the Sekhose family will jointly work to organise the league, promote player welfare and support football infrastructure in the district.
KDFA officials said the Super League would serve as a lasting tribute to Sekhose’s vision of using football to promote discipline, unity and opportunities for young people across Nagaland.
