Entry forms for 25th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy open from August 9 to 30

KOHIMA — The organisers of the 25th NSF Martyrs' Memorial Trophy have announced that entry forms for the football tournament will be issued from August 9 to August 30 and have invited teams from Nagaland and beyond to participate.

The tournament, jointly organised by the Naga Students' Federation (NSF) and Angami Students' Union (ASU), is scheduled to take place from September 13 to October 18 at IG Stadium, Kohima, and Chümoukedima Football Stadium.

The entry fee is INR 10,000 per team, and the prize pool for this year's edition is reported to be INR 15 lakh.

These were informed by the steering committee members, namely Neizokhotuo Belho, member secretary; Kezhazer Angami, treasurer; Sedeneikho Shosahie, media convenor; Dieyi Yano, member; Diezevisie Nakhro, ASU president; and Kevilelhou Zumu, NSF secretary for games and sports, through a press conference on Thursday at Hotel Japfü, Kohima.

Also read: NSF Martyrs' Memorial Trophy tour handed over to Angami Students' Union

They informed that the entry forms will be available in Kohima at the NSF office, ASU office, Sports Paradise, Keziekie, Sports World in the main town, and Royal Enfield (High School); in Medziphema at Falcon Corner; in Chümoukedima at G-Sports; in Dimapur at Kiran Sports and Stationeries; in Senapati at the SDSA office; and in Mokokchung at the AKM office.

They informed that after receiving all the entry forms, they will update the players on the venue and dates of the matches.

They expressed that this year they are also anticipating good teams from other states to participate. They stated that they have planned to hold the 25th anniversary trophy in a more professional manner and, in due course, will inform about the preparations and how the tournament will be conducted.

They also highlighted that the trophy tour, which was flagged off on March 20 and was scheduled to reach the entire homeland through the initiative of the student bodies under the aegis of the NSF, was successful, and on July 28 it was handed over to the ASU. After a few days, the trophy will also tour the Peren, Dimapur, Niuland, and Chümoukedima districts.

It was reminded that the trophy tour carries forward the vision, aspirations, and message of peace, unity, and brotherhood.

They updated that more than 19,200 young footballers have showcased their talent through this platform, and an estimated 1,920 coaches and team managers have also been part of the journey. The 17th edition in 2016 saw the highest participation since the inception of the event, with a total of 66 teams taking part.