25th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy to kick off on Sep 13

The 25th anniversary edition of the NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy, regarded as one of Nagaland’s most prestigious football tournaments, will commence on September 13 at 4:30 p.m. at the Indira Gandhi (IG) Stadium, Kohima. The tournament is being jointly organised by the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and Angami Students’ Union (ASU).
According to the organisers, the opening ceremony will be graced by Rural Development & SIRD Minister, Metsubo Jamir, as the inaugural guest.
This year’s edition, they said, carries a special significance as it coincides with 39 years of commemorating the memory of Lt. Kekuojalie Sachü and Lt. Vikhozo Yhoshü, who were killed during a peaceful rally in Kohima on March 20, 1986. The tournament has since served as a tribute to their sacrifice.
Altogether, 45 teams will vie for the coveted championship title, comprising one team each from Delhi and Sikkim, seven teams from Manipur, and 36 teams from Nagaland.
Organisers informed that former champions Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong, Nagaland Police, Red Scars, New Market FC and Sechü Zubza FC would be among the contenders, alongside the Nagaland Super League runners-up, Nagaland United Sports Club.
To cater to the growing interest from football enthusiasts abroad, organisers disclosed that live streaming of the matches would be provided by IT partner BingeBOXX OTT in collaboration with Dox Marketing and Media. The coverage will include fixtures at both IG Stadium, Kohima and Chümoukedima Football Stadium, right up to the grand finale.