Dr. T Ao Trophy 2025 begins on August 1 at IG Stadium Kohima

DIMAPUR — The much-anticipated Dr. T Ao Trophy: 24th Inter-District Football Championship is set to kick off on August 1 at the Indira Gandhi (IG) Stadium, Kohima, uniting football talent from all 17 districts of Nagaland over a fortnight.

According to a press statement, the convener of the organising committee, MLA and chairman of the District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) Kohima Kevipodi Sophie, confirmed that all arrangements are on track to make the event a “grand success”.

“We are all working hard and trying our best to make it a grand event,” Sophie said, adding that the championship is more than just a sporting event and that it is a celebration of Naga unity.

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The tournament, organised by the Nagaland Football Association (NFA), hosted by the Kohima District Football Association (KDFA), supported by the Department of Youth Resources and Sports (DYRS), and powered by the District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) Kohima, will run from August 1 to the 15th.

To mark the opening day, Sophie informed that free bus services will run from High School Junction to the stadium, and entry to the stadium will be free for all spectators on the inaugural day.

The opening ceremony will be attended by the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, as the special guest, alongside the family of Lt. Dr. T. Ao, Nagaland’s football legend and the trophy's namesake. Prominent Naga musician Moko Koza and the popular Naga folk music group Seyie Intrepid will also perform during the inaugural ceremony.

“This is a very good opportunity for our Nagas to come together as one family. Through this kind of sporting event, our people should be united," Sophie said.

KDFA president Mhasimhalie Mathew Yhome said it is a privilege to host the prestigious championship.

“If we look at 10 years or so back, the tournament has gained much traction, and it has become a great platform for young promising players. It is through the district-level tournament that players are identified to pursue professional football and vie at different levels,” Yhome said.

He acknowledged the NFA for giving the district the opportunity to host the mega tournament and the Kohima DPDB and DYRS for coming forward to organise this event with the association.

On the host team's preparation for the championship, the KDFA president said, “I am confident with the Kohima team – we have 3-4 players who have played in the Nagaland Super League (NSL); very promising under-20 players; we also have the NSL player of the tournament, Barak FC captain Kevisanyü Peseyie, playing for us. The ultimate dream is to see our players play in the national arena and beyond."

Tickets and passes can be booked at Ahibi.in. The matchday pass can be availed at INR 99, providing open gallery access, while the premium matchday pass, priced at INR 199, offers reserved chair seating with a clear, elevated view.

The matchday season pass, priced at INR 700, provides access to all 28 league matches and includes one pass for every league match. The premium season pass, priced at INR 1,400, offers reserved seating for every league match on a one-time booking basis. These passes are available exclusively online, and seats are limited.

Football lovers who cannot make it to the stadium can catch the action live on SportsCast India.

On the first day, Kohima will play against Tseminyu.