Principal Correspondent
Kohima, September 18
The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) is all geared up to hold 15th edition of the NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy 2014 from October 1 at Kohima Local Ground.
NSF president Tongpang Ozukum made the announcement during a press conference in presence of the tournament co-convener Kezhazer Angami and NSF games & sports secretary Shikho Thou at his official chamber here this afternoon.Ozukum said the Federation will be organizing the tournament for the first time as the annual organizers Angami Students’ Union (ASU) has expressed its inability to organize the tourney because of their upcoming busy schedule.
The annual football tournament of the state used to be organized by ASU and supported by NSF in tribute and astute remembrance of two students martyrs Late Kekuojalie Sachu and Late Vikhozo Yhoshu who sacrificed their precious lives on the call of duty of NSF for a just and rightful cause in 1986.
However, he said, that this year because of the scheduled ASU conference in January and proposed hosting of NSF conference next year, literal owners have declined to organize the tournament this year.
Nonetheless, Ozukum said the NSF has taken up the challenge to organize the tournament not only to promote the youngsters but also to uphold the honour and pay respect to student martyrs’ Late Kekouzalie and Late Vikhozo.
He also maintained that if there is a gap in such a major tournament even for a year, its glamour would degrade and even as last moment the Federation has constituted and preparations have begun on a war-footing.
Organising Committee Co-convener, Kezhazer said this year too, the organizers are expecting good response from the interested football teams and being an open tourney all interested teams would be given the opportunity to participate. He also informed that the organizers are contemplating to make enhancement in the cash prizes for the winners.
The NSF trophy has the record of highest number of team participation than any of the other tournaments. In last year’s edition, a record 65 teams from within and outside the state vied for the coveted trophy.
NSF Games and Sports Secretary Shikho Thou said forms will be made from September 19 while interested teams can collect it from the following places: Kohima – NSF Office and Sports World, Old Taxi Stand; Dimapur –Kiran Sports while in other districts forms will be available in the Federating Units of NSF. The last date of submission of entry form is September 25, he added.
