Our Correspondent
Kohima, Sep. 21 (EMN): The 19th edition of the NSF Martyrs' Memorial Trophy organised by the Angami Students’ Union under the theme "Goal for peace" will begin from September 22 at the Kohima Local ground.
After the defending champions Barak FC opted out of this edition, the first match will be played between Mizoram team Rising Star and Manipur team Asufu CI (Senapati).
47 teams will be participating in this year’s edition including five teams from outside Nagaland (four from Manipur and one from Mizoram) for the coveted trophy.
The winner of the tournament and runners-up will receive INR 2 lakhs and INR 1,20 lakhs. The losing semi-finalists will receive INR 30,000 each and the quarter finalists will receive INR 15,000 each besides five individual prizes.
The organising committee of the 19th NSF MMT has invited all the victims of March 20, 1986, ASU formers, well wishers, schools and colleges in Kohima for the grant opening ceremony that will begin from 2 pm. It has informed all the team managers and coaches to report at the ground for technical briefing at 10.30 am.
Entry ticket has been fixed at INR 30 for knockout stages and INR 50 from quarter-finals onwards. While the students in uniforms after school hour and senior citizens and PWDS will be given free entry.
PWD Minister Tongpang Ozukum will attend the occasion as the special invitee from 2pm onwards during the inaugural programme. The welcome address will be given by Voto Neikha, convenor, organising committee and solidarity message by Kesosul Christopher Ltu, president NSF while Meguo Rutsa, secretary games and sports ASU will do the oath taking before the kick off.
The laying of wreaths and hoisting of flag will be held at NSF Martyrs’ Park at 8am.
The month long tournament is an annual event in honour and remembrance of Late Kekuojalie Sachu of Kohima village and Late Vikhozo Yhoshü of Kigwema village.
