23rd NSF Martyrs Memorial Trophy to commence from 18 September

Kohima, August 11 (MTNews): The prestigious football tournament, the NSF Martyrs Memorial Trophy, will begin on 18 September at IG Stadium Kohima. This announcement was made by the Angami Students’ Union during a press conference held on Friday at the ASU office in Kohima.

During the press conference, Mathew Yhome, the Convenor of the Organizing Committee, stated that the trophy would conclude on 14 October. He also informed that the prize money for the championship has been increased to a cash prize of Rs 2.50 lakhs for the champions, along with a trophy and citations. Additionally, the runners-up and the semifinalists will receive Rs 1,50,000 and Rs 35,000 each respectively. Teams that lose in the quarter-finals will also be awarded Rs 20,000 each.

Furthermore, individual awards including the best midfielder, best defender, best goalkeeper, and highest scorer will each be granted a cash prize of Rs 10,000. The player of the tournament will receive a two-wheeler Scooty.

David Mere, the ASU president, stated that the trophy was organized in honor of two friends: the late Kekuojalie Sachü from Kohima village and the late Vikhozo Yhoshü from Kigwema village. They were victims of indiscriminate firing by armed police from Alichen on 22 March 1986, while the student fraternity was on a peaceful call of duty to protest against the move to extend the ‘disturbed area belt’ from 5Km to 20 Km along the Indo-Myanmar border. This was also in protest against the induction of Indian Police Service (IPS) cadres into the state of Nagaland.

As a tribute to these sacrifices, the Angami Students Union has been organizing the trophy annually in memory of the two martyrs. This year marks the 23rd edition of the tournament.

Interested teams can obtain forms starting from 14 August at various locations including the ASU Office, Magdaline Coaching Centre Lerie, Sports World main town in Kohima, Sports Paradise in Keziekie, Royal Enfield in High School, G Sports in Chumoukedima, and Kiran Sports in Dimapur. The last date for form submission is 14 September.

Sources have also confirmed that New Market FC, the defending champions of the 22nd edition, will participate in the championship to defend their title for the second consecutive time.