New rules: Mokokchung teams only, players from across Nagaland and beyond
Mokokchung is set to host the 27th edition of the Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) Trophy from October 14, 2025, promising one of the most competitive tournaments in recent years with bigger rewards and a renewed focus on grassroots football.
Announcing the details at a press conference on Saturday, Organizing Committee Convenor Burakum informed that the MDFA champion will walk away with a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh, while the runners-up will receive Rs 1 lakh. In addition, five individual awards—Best Defender, Best Goalkeeper, Best Midfielder, Highest Goal Scorer, and Player of the Tournament—carry Rs 5,000 each.
The losing semi-finalists will receive Rs 25,000 each, and all participating teams will be given honorarium.
A total of 10 teams have confirmed participation so far, with organizers anticipating up to 13–14 entries before the tournament begins.
Highlighting a key change, MDFA Vice President (Technical) Bendangnukshi said that for the first time the trophy will be governed by bye-laws hoping that it will give more professionalism.
“The participating team must be from Mokokchung; however, unlike other times, there are no restrictions for players. Anyone from any district or state can participate. This is to focus on the grassroots football of Mokokchung,” he said.
He added that, as in previous years, Nagaland University (Lumami) has been invited, while MDFA also hopes to engage other neighboring institutions in the near future.
The opening ceremony will be graced by H. Sethrojngkyu Sangtam, Advisor and MLA, while the closing ceremony will be attended by Lanuchuba Imchen, President of Longterok FC and Youth Wing President of NDPP, Dimapur region.
With bigger stakes, new rules, and wider participation, the 27th edition of the MDFA Trophy is expected to set new standards for district-level football in Nagaland.
The Konyak Students’ Union Mokokchung (KSUM) is the defending champion of the tournament. Earlier today, the MDFA presented a replica of the trophy to KSUM.
