In keeping with its long-standing practice of outsourcing ticket sales for its premier football event, the Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) has awarded this year’s MDFA Trophy ticket-selling contract to the Basketball Association Mokokchung District (BAMD) Inter School and Higher Secondary School Tournament organizing committee for an undisclosed amount.
Under this arrangement, the proceeds from ticket sales go to the BAMD, while the MDFA receives a contract fee.
Explaining how the collaboration came about, Tutu Jamir, convener of the BAMD Inter School and Higher Secondary School Tournament organizing committee, said the decision was driven by the association’s resolve to move away from donation-based event organization. “Following the successful conduct of this year’s inter-school tournament, which was organized solely with donations, we felt it was not appropriate to organize the next year’s tournament with donations alone. We also feel it is no longer the era where we collect donations for organizing events and tournaments,” she said.
Jamir added that BAMD saw the MDFA ticketing opportunity as a timely means to raise funds for the next inter-school tournament. “Initially, there was much negative feedback and apprehension that it would be profitable. We prayerfully agreed to enter the contract to sell the MDFA tournament tickets with faith,” she said.
According to the MDFA and several observers, crowd turnout at this year’s MDFA Trophy has been exceptionally strong compared to previous editions. “We have been blessed so far,” Jamir remarked, expressing optimism that the initiative will help the association meet its goals.
She further shared that the ticket counters were manned by volunteers from basketball clubs affiliated with BAMD. “The first opportunities were given to basketball clubs associated with the BAMD with the understanding that they’ll be given a lump sum from the ticket sales proceeds so that their clubs also earn. This will help them sustain their clubs and participate in tournaments,” Jamir said.
Through this initiative, the BAMD aims to generate sufficient funds to organize the next year’s inter-school and higher secondary school basketball tournament without depending on solicited donations.
While proceeds from the sale of tickets go to the contractors, they are required to pay the MDFA contract fee. The MDFA Trophy is one of the very few sports events in Mokokchung that generate revenue through ticket sales. The fact that the BAMD is selling the tickets this year highlights the growing sports ecosystem in Mokokchung, where one discipline supports another for collective sustenance. The MDFA secures an assured income from the sale of tickets while the BAMD gets the opportunity to raise funds for its sustainability.
The 27th edition of the MDFA Trophy is being held from October 14 to 25 at Imkongmeren Sports Complex. A total of eleven teams are participating in what is touted as one of the most competitive tournaments in recent years. The tournament features 10 league matches and 7 knockout matches.