Dr. T. Ao Trophy 2026 fixture announced

KOHIMA, SEP 21 (NPN): The Nagaland Football Association (NFA) on Monday announced the fixture for the silver jubilee edition of the Dr. T. Ao Trophy 2026 (Inter-District Football Championship), which is scheduled to be held from October 13 to 31 at Renpo Lu Astro Turf, Ungma, Mokokchung.
The fixture was drawn at the NFA office in Kohima in the presence of MLA and Advisor for Transport & Technical Education Temjenmenba, NFA president K. Neibou Sekhose, Department of Youth Resources & Sports (DYRS) director Kethosituo Sekhose and officials of district football associations affiliated to the NFA. A total of 17 districts will participate in the championship and have been divided into four groups. Group A comprises Mon, Dimapur, Zunheboto, Noklak and Kiphire; Group B consists of Kohima, Tseminyu, Shamator and Longleng; Group C comprises Meluri, Tuensang, Wokha and Mokokchung; while Group D consists of Niuland, Chümoukedima, Phek and Peren. The tournament is being organised by the NFA in collaboration with the Government of Nagaland and DYRS under the aegis of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), with the Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) serving as host. Preparations: Temjenmenba, who is also convenor of the organising committee, said completing the infrastructure works within the stipulated timeframe remained a major challenge. He said all concerned were working on a war footing to ensure that the required amenities and infrastructure were in place before the tournament commenced.
He said the Government of Nagaland, under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, had allocated the requisite funds, enabling preparations for the championship to progress smoothly. DYRS director Kethosituo Sekhose said the department, under the leadership of the Chief Minister, was making all efforts to ensure that the required infrastructure was completed in time for the tournament.
He said the football turf and floodlights at the stadium were already ready for use, while work was continuing on the galleries, parking areas, approach roads and other basic facilities.
Sekhose said some of the infrastructure works had originally been scheduled for completion next year. However, he said, with the cooperation of the NFA, MDFA, organising committee, local leaders and contractors, efforts were being made to complete the essential facilities before the tournament.
NFA president K. Neibou Sekhose informed that all 17 district football associations had been allotted Rs. 50,000 each for necessary arrangements for the championship. He also said travelling allowance (TA) would be provided to the players and officials.
He further informed that the NFA would endeavour to bring FIFA-ranked referees for the tournament from the semi-final stage onwards.
Neibou Sekhose also invited all affiliated sports associations under the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) to attend the silver jubilee edition of the Dr. T. Ao Trophy. He said the Nagaland team for the 2026-27 Santosh Trophy would be selected from the players participating in the championship.
Earlier, Temjenmenba released the tournament bye-laws, while Kethosituo Sekhose released the official poster for the championship.
Prize money: The champion will receive Rs. 3 lakh along with the trophy and citation, while the runner-up will receive Rs. 2 lakh. The two losing semi-finalists will receive Rs. 50,000 each. Individual awards will also be presented for the best goalkeeper, best defender, best player and highest scorer of the tournament.
The entry fee for spectators has been fixed at Rs. 50 for group-stage matches and Rs. 100 from the quarter-finals through to the grand finale.
FIXTURE: Dr. T. Ao Trophy 2026
Quarter-finals
M: Winner of Group A vs Runner-up of Group B
N: Winner of Group B vs Runner-up of Group A
O: Winner of Group C vs Runner-up of Group D
P: Winner of Group D vs Runner-up of Group C
Semi-finals
X: Winner of M vs Winner of O
Y: Winner of N vs Winner of P
Final
Winner of X vs Winner of Y