The groups for the 25th Dr. T Ao Trophy in Mokokchung were announced with all 17 districts set to participate.
KOHIMA — The groups for the 25th Dr. T Ao Trophy (Inter-District Football Championship), scheduled to be played from October 13 to the 31st at Renpo Lu Astro Turf in Ungma, Mokokchung, were announced on Monday by the Nagaland Football Association (NFA) in the presence of district representatives.
The tournament is being organised by the NFA under the aegis of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and hosted by the Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA). All 17 districts of the state will participate in the tournament.
In the group division, Group A consists of Mon, Dimapur, Zunheboto, Noklak, and Kiphire. Group B includes Kohima, Tseminyu, Shamator, and Longleng. Group C comprises Meluri, Tuensang, Wokha, and Mokokchung, while Group D includes Niuland, Chümoukedima, Phek, and Peren.
In the quarter-finals, the winner of Group A will play the runners-up of Group B, the winner of Group B will play the runners-up of Group A, the winner of Group C will face the runners-up of Group D, and the winner of Group D will play the runners-up of Group C. In the semi-finals, the winner of the first quarter-final will play the winner of the third quarter-final, and the winner of the second quarter-final will face the winner of the fourth quarter-final.
The champions will receive a cash prize of INR 3 lakh, the runners-up will receive INR 2 lakh, and the semi-finalists will receive INR 50,000 each, alongside individual awards.
The organisers informed that they will provide INR 50,000 to each participating team for preparations, players' travel allowance, and dearness allowance, while the host district will manage local transport, accommodation, and food.
The official poster of the tournament as well as the booklet on competition regulations for the Dr. T Ao Trophy 2026 were also released.
Speaking during the fixture draw programme, Advisor for Transport and Technical Education Temjenmenba, who is also the convenor for the upcoming 25th silver jubilee edition of the trophy, shared details regarding arrangements.
He said that although there were challenges, preparations are progressing smoothly, and all involved are working to ensure amenities and infrastructure are in place before the tournament starts.
Director of Youth Resources and Sports Kethosituo Sekhose acknowledged the cooperation of the organising committee, MDFA, NFA, contractors, and local leaders.
He noted that basic facilities, especially the gallery, are being prepared within the next two to two-and-a-half weeks for stadium utilisation. He stated that the turf, floodlights, and generators are ready and mentioned that details regarding parking areas and approach roads will be finalised soon.
Nagaland team selection for Santosh trophy 2026-27
NFA President Neibou Sekhose informed that the Nagaland state selection team for the Santosh Trophy 2026-27, to be held in December, will be selected during the Dr. T Ao Trophy. A coaching camp is planned immediately after the conclusion of the tournament, with coaches to be brought in from outside.
He said players who do not participate in the Dr. T Ao Trophy may not get the opportunity to play in the Santosh Trophy unless they are competing in a national league.
Sekhose added that the tournament is planned in a festival mode to celebrate 25 years of the competition. Both semi-final matches will be played on the same day to ensure equal rest for the finalists.