11 teams, strong line-ups, big prize pool as trophy set to kick off December 8
Chuchuyimlang Village is preparing to host the 14th Marsosang Football Trophy from December 8 at the Langpangkong Tzükong GHS Play Ground, with matches kicking off from 1:00 pm. Imsongmeren, NCS, Director of Nagaland State Lotteries, will grace the opening ceremony as the special guest.
But beyond the fixture and the fanfare, the Marsosang Trophy carries a history that runs deep into the village’s past – a legacy shaped by the community and upheld for three decades by the dedication of Rocky Club, the organizers of this long-standing tournament.
Speaking with Mokokchung Times, organizing committee member M Pangjung Pongener recalled that the tournament owes its genesis to Marsosang, a respected personality in the village.
“During his days, Marsosang was an important and prosperous person. In 1994, ex-MLA Tsukjemwati, on behalf of his name, launched this tournament. They decided to sponsor the organizing committee, Rocky Club,” he shared.
Since 1994, the tournament has been held biennially, and Rocky Club has continued to carry the responsibility of organizing every edition – keeping the original vision alive with donations pouring in from the village and well-wishers.
The founding objective was simple: ensure that rural youth have a platform to showcase their potential and, hopefully, pave a road to employment, particularly in government services.
Organizing Committee member Imkongtangit Jamir described how the tournament has expanded far beyond its early boundaries. “At first it started with the village, but these days, players from different towns and cities are coming to play; so the tournament is somehow serving as a platform,” he said.
The impact on the village has been tangible. “Through this tournament, our village has benefitted a lot in terms of government employment such as in the police forces,” he added.
Jamir also emphasized the importance of identifying young talent. “We fail to identify or know the talent of the young people; therefore, we believe that this trophy is a really good platform for the young people to execute their talent. I believe that most of the state players in Nagaland must have experienced playing in Chuchuyimlang.”
With senior players participating every edition, the tournament organically creates a mentorship-like environment. “By observing how the senior players are playing, the young people get encouraged. At the same time, they also get to see the players from the outside world, so they get encouraged and inspired.”
He noted that the exposure goes beyond sports. “They also get mentally enriched because it feels like an outside exposure. Many other Naga community, not just the Aos, come to play in this trophy so Chuchuyimlang Village, somehow comes out as a Centre point. So, there’s a lot of indirect benefit.”
For Rocky Club, this remains the core mission. “Our whole objective is to ensure that we give a platform to the whole Naga community of football lovers and more specifically to the people in rural areas,” Jamir said.
Despite running a tournament of this scale, Rocky Club does not charge any entry fee to the spectators. According to Convenor Nungsangtemsu, the tournament was initially supported by an endowment from Marsosang’s family, and with that along with donations from villagers and well-wishers, the Rocky Club manage the trophy prizes.
This year’s prize money includes Rs 1.5 lakh for the champions, Rs 1 lakh for runners-up, and Rs 10,000 each for the losing semi-finalists.
A total of 11 teams will vie for the 2025 title:
· Tongpangsanger Club
· Vision Sporting Club
· Rocky Club
· Aroju Club
· Team Saturday
· Morung Boys United FC
· Marsosang Sporting Club
· Young Vision
· Merasen
· United Brothers
· N Obang Memorial FT
The defending champions, N Obang Memorial FT, return “packed with strong line ups,” aiming for a third consecutive victory. Prominent players such as Ganghui, Vitoho Kiho, Thejasetuo, Horan, Tongpang, and others will take the field.
Teams this year represent Salulamang, Changtongya, Chuchuyimlang, Mokokchung Town, and Tuli, marking the steadily widening reach of the tournament.
Over the decades, the Marsosang Trophy has grown into more than a football tournament. It has established Chuchuyimlang as an unexpected sporting hub – a place where rural boys first dream big, where spectators gather not just for competition but for community, and where Rocky Club continues to carry forward a tradition born from generosity.
As the village gears up for the 14th edition, the Langpangkong Tzükong GHS Ground is set again to witness young players chase not just goals, but life-shaping opportunities.
