Nagaland Men’s Blind Football secured runner-up at the 7th Men’s & 4th Women’s Edition of IBFF Northeast/East Zonal Blind Football Championship 2026.
Bhubaneswar, July 7 (MExN): The Nagaland Men’s Blind Football Team produced a commanding performance at the 7th Men’s & 4th Women’s Edition of the IBFF Northeast/East Zonal Blind Football Championship 2026, securing a hard-fought second-place finish and earning a coveted spot in the upcoming National Championship. The tournament, held here from July 1–3, saw Nagaland top Group B to cruise directly into the semi-finals.
In a tense last-four clash against Assam, the match ended goalless, forcing a penalty shootout. Nagaland’s goalkeeper, Rongsenyanger, emerged as the hero, saving all three of Assam’s attempts, while Chingdang Phom converted the decisive spot-kick to seal a 1–0 victory and propel his side into the final.
The summit clash pitted Nagaland against Meghalaya, one of the country’s premier blind football teams. Despite a valiant defensive effort, Nagaland succumbed to a 0–3 defeat, settling for the runners-up trophy.
Chingdang Phom’s consistent brilliance, including a crucial group-stage goal against Mizoram, earned him the Emerging Player of the Tournament award. In the women’s category, Odisha clinched the title, with West Bengal finishing as runners-up.
With this zonal podium finish, Nagaland has officially qualified for the National Blind Football Championship, scheduled for November or December later this year.
The team’s campaign was supported by the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD), Department of Youth Resources & Sports, Nagaland State Disability Forum (NSDF), Mission to the Blind, and Lotha Baptist Church, Diphupar ‘B’ Youth Ministry. Assistant Coach and Goal Guide Kezhaleto Zecho, along with goalkeeper-escort Rongsenyanger, provided tactical leadership throughout the tournament.
