CM to grace inaugural ceremony
The stage is set for the 24th edition of the Dr. T. Ao Trophy Inter-District Football Championship 2025, which is scheduled to kick off on August 1 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima. The two-week tournament will feature football teams from all 17 districts of Nagaland and will continue until August 15.
Convener of the Organising Committee, MLA and Chairman of the District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) Kohima, Kevipodi Sophie, informed that all necessary preparations have been completed to ensure the event’s success. He stated that efforts were being made to not only conduct the tournament smoothly but to also celebrate it as a symbol of unity among the Naga people. “We are all working hard and trying our best to make it a grand event,” he said, adding that the tournament is more than just a football competition.
The championship is being organised by the Nagaland Football Association (NFA), hosted by the Kohima District Football Association (KDFA), supported by the Department of Youth Resources & Sports (DYRS), and powered by the DPDB Kohima.
Sophie further announced that to facilitate public participation, free bus services will be operated from High School Junction to the stadium on the opening day. Entry for spectators on the inaugural day will also be free.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is scheduled to attend the opening ceremony as the special guest. The family of late Dr. T. Ao, Nagaland’s first Olympian and the tournament’s namesake, will also be present. The ceremony will feature musical performances by renowned Naga artist Moko Koza and the folk music group Seyie Intrepid.
Speaking on the significance of the event, Sophie expressed hope that the tournament would foster unity and brotherhood among the Nagas. “This is a very good opportunity for our Nagas to come together as one family,” he said.
KDFA President Mhasimhalie Mathew Yhome described it as a privilege for Kohima district to host the prestigious championship. He noted that the tournament had grown in prominence over the past decade and had become a vital platform for identifying young, talented footballers in the state. “It is through the district-level tournament that players are identified to pursue professional football and vie at different levels,” Yhome said.
He expressed appreciation to the NFA for entrusting the district with the responsibility of hosting the tournament, and thanked DPDB Kohima and DYRS for supporting the initiative.
On the preparedness of the Kohima team, Yhome said the team includes three to four players who have played in the Nagaland Super League (NSL), promising under-20 talents, and NSL’s player of the tournament, Barak FC captain Kevisanyü Peseyie. He stated that the ultimate aim was to see players from the state competing at the national level and beyond.
Yhome also conveyed his best wishes to all the participating district teams.
Ticketing for the championship is being facilitated through the online platform Ahibi.in.
A Matchday Pass for open gallery access is priced at Rs 99. A Premium Matchday Pass with reserved chair seating is available at Rs 199. The Matchday Season Pass, offering access to all 28 league matches (with one match free), is priced at Rs 700.
The Premium Season Pass, which guarantees reserved seating for all league matches through one-time booking, is available for Rs 1,400. Both season passes are exclusively available online, with limited seating. For football enthusiasts unable to attend in person, the matches will be streamed live on SportsCast India. The opening day fixture will see host team Kohima face off against Tseminyu.