The Silver Jubilee edition of the Dr T Ao Trophy Inter-District Football Tournament 2026 will kick off at Renpo Lu Sports Complex, Ungma, Mokokchung, on Tuesday, with hosts Mokokchung facing Wokha in the inaugural match of the tournament, a Group C fixture.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for 4 pm, while Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio will virtually unveil the jubilee monolith at 3 pm.
According to Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) sources, teams representing all 17 districts have arrived for the tournament. Ten teams have been accommodated at Marepkong, while seven others, including the host team, have been lodged at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex premises.
Defending champions Mon are scheduled to begin their title defence on the second day of the tournament. Group D, comprising last edition’s runners-up Niuland, Chümoukedima, Phek and Peren, is being regarded as the “group of death”.
The league round will conclude on October 22, while the tournament will culminate on October 29.
The MDFA has announced free entry on the inaugural day, with tickets priced at Rs 50 for the remaining days. Lucky draws will be held on the quarterfinal and semifinal match days, with gift hampers for winners during the quarterfinals and a scooty each during the semifinals. Entry tickets will serve as draw coupons.
The association has also arranged “family canopy” spaces at Rs 1,000 each, with complimentary refreshments provided by the MDFA.
Renpo Lu Sports Complex is located about 5 km from Mokokchung town along NH-202 Tuensang road.
Half-day holiday for Mokokchung schools on October 13
All schools in Mokokchung district will observe a half-day holiday on October 13 in view of the opening ceremony of the 25th (Silver Jubilee) Dr T Ao Trophy Inter-District Football Championship 2026.
Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, Ajit Kumar Verma, IAS, issued an order declaring the holiday to encourage maximum participation of youth in the opening ceremony.
The order directed all principals, administrators and headmasters to ensure compliance in their respective school institutions.
The 25th edition of the Dr T Ao Trophy marks the silver jubilee of the inter-district football championship.