NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy: Eight teams to get direct entry to pre-quarters

KOHIMA — A total of 45 teams have confirmed their participation in the upcoming 25th Naga Students' Federation (NSF) Martyrs' Memorial Trophy, scheduled to begin on September 13.

The 45 teams include 36 from Nagaland, seven from Manipur, and one each from Sikkim and Delhi, steering committee members of the tournament informed on Tuesday in Kohima during a press conference.

Medo Yhokha, convenor of the steering committee, said about 60 to 70 guest players, including foreign nationals, are also expected to participate in the tournament.

Also read: 45 teams to compete in NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy 2025

Extending an invite to the people to come and celebrate the lives of the two martyrs, he said the organising committee is ensuring a smooth flow of the tournament and is preparing the event well in advance.

There will be free entry for the inaugural on September 13 to be held at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.

However, a ticketing system will be introduced: from preliminary till quarter-finals at INR 50 per person, and from quarter-finals till the final at INR 100 per person, he informed.

Khrielevi Chüsi, co-convenor of the steering committee, said that this year's tournament holds special significance as it marks 39 years of honouring the memory of late Lt. Kejakuolie Sachü and Lt. Vikhozo Yhoshü, who tragically lost their lives during a rally in Kohima town on March 20, 1986.

Mhasimhalie Mathew Yhome, convenor of the technical committee, confirmed that 900 players and 180 officials will participate in the matches to be played at two locations. A total of 36 matches will be played in Kohima and eight in Chümoukedima.

In the name of the 25th anniversary, eight teams, including one each from Delhi and Sikkim and five teams from Nagaland, including NSF Martyrs' Memorial Trophy former champions and Nagaland Super League teams, will be given direct entry to the pre-quarterfinals.

He clarified that their direct entry to the pre-quarterfinals was based on invitations.

Diezevisie Nakhro, president of the Angami Students' Union, while extending an invite to all the victims of 1986, said the tournament is aimed at unity, progress, and activism.

Live streaming of the inaugural and daily matches will be telecast by an IT firm. In this regard, the organisers informed the livestreamers to take permission prior to the livestreaming of matches.

Prize money for the winner is INR 5 lakh, for the runners-up INR 3 lakh, and the two semi-finalists will get INR 1 lakh each. Other individual awards will also be given.

The tournament will be held at IG Stadium, Kohima, and Chümoukedima Football Stadium. Minister Metsubo Jamir will attend the inaugural at 4:30 pm at IG Stadium on September 13.