Our Correspondent
Mokokchung, April 1 (EMN): The Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) on Friday confirmed that all the 16 districts of the state will be participating at the upcoming 22nd inter-district Dr. T Ao Football trophy.
They informed this during a press conference at their treasurer’s residence and added that chief minister Neiphiu Rio will attend the final match on April 29.
President of MDFA, Meyisanger Lemtur informed that the district teams will arrive in Mokokchung on April 17. A grand opening ceremony will be held on April 18 with G Kaito Aye, minister for Agriculture and Cooperation as the chief guest. The first match will kick start from April 19 onwards.
A host of legislators have given positive signals to attend the quarter and other final segments as the match patron during the tournament, it was informed.
The tourney will award a cash prize of INR three lakh to the champion and INR two lakh to the runner-up. Prizes will also be awarded to the semi-finalists and the individual category winners.
They also informed that a training camp has been activated for MDFA team under coach, Akum Ao, assistant coaches Nungsangyanger and Chuba under the team management of Tiakumzuk.
Further, they added that despite limited resources, MDFA is trying its best to go ahead with the facelift and renovation of Imkongmeren Sports Complex with contribution from various departments in the district and well-wishers.
“The deputy commissioner of Mokokchung has urged the HoDs of various departments in the district to cooperate and contribute for the success of the tournament”, a senior MDFA member said.
They further urged the citizens to provide positive feedback to the association for the success of the tournament.
The ten-day tourney is hosted by MDFA under the aegis of Nagaland Football Association (NFA), coinciding with the 50 year anniversary of NFA.