TO BE HELD FROM SEPT 13 TO OCT 18 ACROSS TWO DISTRICTS
The Angami Students’ Union (ASU) has announced that the 25th edition of the NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy will be held from September 13 to October 18, 2025, in what promises to be one of the most expansive and commemorative editions of the tournament. This was informed during a press conference addressed by officials and former leaders of ASU, held at Hotel Japfü, here Thursday.
Convenor of the Steering Committee, Neizokhotuo Belho, informed that preparations for the tournament were well underway, with teams from various districts and outside the state expected to participate. He stated that the entry forms will be issued from August 9, and the last date for submission is August 13, 2025, giving teams ample time to make necessary arrangements. The entry fee has been fixed at Rs 10,000 per team.
He further informed that outlets have been identified for form collection and submission in Kohima, Medziphema, Chümoukedima, Dimapur, Senapati, and Mokokchung, making the process more accessible to teams and clubs across regions.
In terms of incentives, Belho said this edition will feature a prize pool of Rs 15 lakh, with attractive prizes lined up for every match, including special rewards for the Player of the Tournament. He appealed for suggestions from the public and sports lovers to make the silver jubilee edition a meaningful and impactful event for both athletes and fans.
In his address, Kezhazer Angami, a former ASU president, emphasised the importance of remembering and honouring the two Naga martyrs who have laid down their lives for the Naga cause. He noted that the tournament, though rooted in tragedy, has become a unifying event for Naga youth, bringing communities together in memory of sacrifice and in celebration of talent.
He said the NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy was originally known as the Open NSF Martyrs’ Trophy, with early editions played between Angami regional units. It was later opened to all tribal and student organisations, with champions from across Nagaland and beyond. Some notable past winners include Tangkhul Students’ Union, All Zeliangrong Students’ Union, Naga Boys Club, Nagaland Police, Barak FC, Centurion FC, Head Hunters FC, New Market FC, and the most recent champion, Sechü Zubza FC (2024).
Reflecting on the historical significance of the tournament, Angami recounted the events that led to its inception. He recalled that in April 1985, a peaceful protest organised by the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) against government policies—particularly the reduction of the Red Belt area from 20 km to 5 km and the introduction of IPS cadres in Nagaland—resulted in the fatal police firing that killed two student leaders, Kekuojalie Sachü and Vikhozo Yhoshü. Since then, their martyrdom has been commemorated annually through the tournament, envisioned not only as a sporting event but also as a tribute to their sacrifice.
ASU President Diezevisie Nakhro highlighted that the Trophy Tour, which was flagged off on March 20, 2025, marking the 39th year of the martyrdom, has been travelling across the Naga homeland. Beginning at NSF Martyrs’ Park in Kohima, the Trophy was first handed to the Kohima Village Students’ Union (KVSU), the parent body of martyr Kekuojalie Sachü, followed by the Kigwema Students’ Union (KSU), parent unit of martyr Vikhozo Yhoshü. From there, the Trophy travelled to various Naga-inhabited areas, including Chandel in Manipur, with participation from ENSF, ENSA, ANSA, and other student bodies under the aegis of NSF. The Trophy is set to complete a 178-day tour before making its return to Kohima for the grand inaugural on September 13.
Former ASU President Dievi Yano informed that, for the first time in the tournament’s history, the 25th edition will be played across two districts—IG Stadium Kohima and Chümoukedima Football Stadium. He added that the final venues and match schedules will be announced after the submission deadline for team entries.
Former ASU executive member Sedeneikho shared statistical highlights of the tournament’s legacy, noting that over 19,200 footballers and approximately 1,920 team coaches and managers have participated in the tournament since its inception. The 2016 edition (17th) saw the highest-ever participation, with 66 teams, setting a new record.
He also mentioned that the tournament has been well-documented over the years, citing archives from one of the oldest regional newspapers, which covered the 1986 incident that sparked the tournament’s origin. Sedeneikho acknowledged the crucial role of the media in sustaining the tournament’s visibility and success, urging continued support for coverage and promotion.
With the silver jubilee edition nearing, the ASU has assured that this year’s tournament will be organised in a more professional and standardised manner, promising a memorable footballing event that honours the past while inspiring future generations.