43 teams to compete in 24th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy

KOHIMA — A total of 43 teams, including nine from Manipur and 34 from Nagaland, will compete for the 24th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy. This year’s edition will run from September 14 to October 5 at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, on the theme “Goal for peace”.

The fixture was finalised on Wednesday at the Angami Students’ Union (ASU) office in Kohima. The teams have been divided into Pool A and Pool B and further into groups A, B, C, and D. Groups A, B, and C each have 11 teams, while Group D has ten teams.

From Manipur, the participating teams are Asüfü Football Academy, Asüfü Christian Institute, F4C Academy, SNGC Football School, SAHEI FC, Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong, Delai FC, UE FC, and Pehlum Lamhil Lawn Academy.

The tournament is organised by ASU annually in memory of Lt. Kekuojalie Sachü and Lt. Vikhozo Yhoshü. The laying of wreaths and hoisting of the flag will take place at NSF Martyrs’ Park, Kohima, at 8 am on September 14.

Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton will attend the inaugural programme at 5 PM. The event will also feature performances by several artistes from the state.

NSF president Medovi Rhi and ASU president Khriesamhalie David Mere will also address the inaugural programme. ASU games and sports secretary Metebo-o Sote will administer the oath to the 43 participating teams.

The champion will receive INR 3 lakh, while the runner-up will be awarded INR 1.80 lakh. The semi-finalists will each get INR 40,000, and the quarter-finalists will receive INR 25,000 each.

Individual awards include INR 10,000 each for the best midfielder, custodian, defender, and top scorer. The player of the tournament will be awarded INR 50,000.

Prior to the opening match, a technical briefing will be held on September 12 at the stadium.