The 24th edition of the Dr T Ao Trophy (Inter-District Football Championship) 2025 will be held from August 1 to 15 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima. Organised by the Nagaland Football Association (NFA) under the aegis of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the tournament will follow a league-cum-knockout format and feature teams from all 17 districts of the state.
Addressing a press conference on June 30, NFA president K Neibou Sekhose said the championship is a strategic step toward developing football in Nagaland and creating opportunities for talented youth to pursue professional careers. The Inter District Football Championship aims to strengthen what already is a football-crazy state, he said.

Sekhose highlighted the urgent need for structured competition, consistent exposure, and improved infrastructure to elevate football in the state. “Our aim is to create football opportunities and also promote unity through football, where all Nagas take part,” he stated. He also said that players who refuse to represent their districts will not be eligible to play for the Nagaland state team or the Nagaland Super League (NSL).
The tournament, which began in the early 1970s, was renamed as the Dr T Ao Trophy in 2004 in honour of Dr Talimeren Ao, Independent India’s first Olympic football captain and the flag bearer at the 1948 London Olympics. The renaming was initiated by Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio, who also introduced a cash prize of Rs 6 lakh.
The 2025 edition will offer a prize of Rs 3 lakh to the champion, Rs 2 lakh to the runner-up, and Rs 50,000 each to the two losing semi-finalists. Each District Football Association (DFA) will receive Rs 50,000 as a preparation grant. Additional awards, certificates, and trophies will also be distributed.
The fixture draw was held in the presence of Kohima Deputy Commissioner B Henok Buchem, NFA President K Neibou Sekhose, Youth Resources & Sports Director Kethosituo Sekhose, officials from district football associations, members of the organising committee, and the tournament’s technical team.
Buchem informed that preparations are being overseen by the Kohima District Planning and Development Board (DPDB), which is powering the event.
The organising committee is chaired by MLA Kevipodi Sophie, with Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhutso as Co-Chairman and the DC as Member Secretary. About 20 sub-committees comprising 150 members from DPDB, KDFA, civil society groups, and government departments are involved.
The NFA has appointed Kevingutuo Sekhose as Match Commissioner, Medozevi Punyü as Referee Assessor, and Zakielatuo Seletsu as Competition Physio. The 11-member Technical Committee is led by Roko Angami (Convenor) and Mughato Aye (Co-Convenor), and includes officials from NFA, KDFA, and the District Sports Office.
More than 340 players and 68 management staff will be engaged in the tournament, which the NFA aims to develop into a year-round ecosystem involving training, scouting, marketing, and professional management. The tournament will also integrate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and be broadcast live by Sportscast.
Reiterating its vision, the NFA stated that the championship aligns with AIFF’s “Vision 2030” to place India among Asia’s top 12 footballing nations.
“With the right support and structure, Naga players could one day represent India in the Olympics or play in top international clubs,” Sekhose expressed.
Meanwhile, an NFA official said that the full fixtures of the tournament will be published tomorrow.