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Our Correspondent
Kohima, Jan 16 (EMN): The North East Dr. T Ao Trophy will be held from
January 20 to the 28th at IG Stadium, Kohima, and the 20 players of Nagaland
football team are currently preparing for the tournament at the stadium where
the event will be held.
The government of Nagaland is organising the trophy and the state will be hosting the tournament after a gap of 10 years. Nagaland were the runners-up in the first edition of the trophy and also the champions of the first edition of Dr. T Ao Centenary NEC International Gold Cup Football Championship for under-21.
All the north-eastern states have confirmed their participation in the tournament.
The Nagaland Football Association (NFA) had earlier announced the Nagaland team for the tournament but it has made some changes in the squad.
Goalkeeper Kevikielie Pienyu is being replaced by Medophrezo Kezio and midfielder Medonieituo Sekhose by Tove Hokato Zhimomi. Roko Angami has been announced as the team coach; Vizovor Liezietsu as assistant coach; Colo Mero as team manager; and Zakielatuo Seletsu as team physio.
Team coach Roko Angami has expressed satisfaction with the practice sessions over the past two weeks and hoped that the team will do well in the tournament. He also asked the football fans to watch the matches and support the team.
The champions of the tournament will receive a trophy, certificate and a cash prize of INR 10,00,000, while the runners-up will receive INR 6,00,000 with trophy and certificate. The third and fourth position holders will receive INR 2,00,000 and INR 1,00,000 respectively along with certificates.
The inaugural programme of the tournament will be attended by the governor of Nagaland, RN Ravi on Monday, January 20 at 9:30 am, at IG Stadium Kohima.