The 24th edition of the Dr T Ao Trophy Inter-District Football Championship 2025 is scheduled to be held from August 1 to 15 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima. Organised by the Nagaland Football Association (NFA) under the aegis of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the tournament will adopt a league-cum-knockout format and feature teams from all 17 districts of the state.
Addressing the media at IG Stadium on Monday, NFA president K. Neibou Sekhose stated that the championship is a strategic step toward developing football in Nagaland and creating opportunities for talented youth to pursue professional careers in the sport. Highlighting the deep passion for football among Nagas, Sekhose stressed the need for structured competition, consistent exposure, and improved infrastructure to elevate the sport in the state.
He underscored that the tournament will serve as a vital platform for identifying and grooming footballers from the grassroots level. The larger aim, he said, is to position Nagaland as a strong footballing state in line with the AIFF’s “Vision 2030” target to place India among Asia’s top 12 football nations. Sekhose also expressed optimism that with the right support and structure, Naga players could one day represent India at the Olympics or play for top international clubs.
Notably, Sekhose issued a strong message to district teams and players regarding participation. He stated that players who refuse to take part in the Inter-District Championship or decline to represent their district will not be allowed to play for the Nagaland state team or the Nagaland Super League (NSL). He urged district officials to report such cases to the NFA. “Our aim is to create football opportunities and also promote unity through football, where all Nagas take part,” he said, adding that strict measures will ensure only committed players represent the state.
The tournament, which began in the 1970s, was renamed as the Dr T Ao Trophy in 2004 in honour of Dr Talimeren Ao, India’s first Olympic football captain and flag bearer at the 1948 London Olympics. The renaming was initiated by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who also introduced a cash prize of ₹6 lakh. Since then, the tournament has been held in rotational collaboration with district football associations, the Department of Youth Resources and Sports (DYRS), and District Sports Councils.
The 2025 edition will see participation from 17 district teams. The proposed prize pool includes ₹3 lakh for the champion, ₹2 lakh for the runner-up, and ₹50,000 each for the two losing semi-finalists. Each DFA will receive ₹50,000 as a preparation grant. Additional individual awards, trophies, and certificates will also be presented.
Sekhose noted that more than 340 players and 68 management staff will be engaged, creating both sporting and employment opportunities. With long-term vision, the NFA plans to turn this half-month championship into a year-round ecosystem involving training, scouting, marketing, and professional management.
The NFA has also appointed key officials for the tournament. Kevingutuo Sekhose has been named Match Commissioner, Medozevi Punyü as Referee Assessor, and Zakielatuo Seletsu as Competition Physio. An 11-member Technical Committee has been constituted, led by Roko Angami as Convenor and Mughato Aye as Co-Convenor, comprising senior NFA, KDFA, and District Sports Office members.
Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, Henok Buchem, informed that preparations are underway with the District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) as the main organising body. Chaired by Kevipodi Sophie the organising structure includes around 20 sub-committees with nearly 150 members from DPDB, KDFA, civil society, and government departments, working under the guidance of NFA.
The tournament will also integrate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by associating each edition with a social cause. Matches will be broadcast live by Sportscast.
The NFA reiterated its mission to not only uplift football in Nagaland but also to create a professional sports industry that can contribute meaningfully to youth empowerment, community development, and employment generation.
FIXTURE FOR 24th NAGALAND INTER-DISTRICT FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
DR.T.AO TROPHY 2025
GROUP- A
- TUENSANG
- MON
- SHAMATOR
- NIULAND
- ZUNHEBOTO
GROUP B - LONGLENG
- CHÜMOUKEDIMA
- NOKLAK
- DIMAPUR
GROUP C - MOKOKCHUNG
- WOKHA
- PHEK
- KIPHIRE
GROUP D - PEREN
- KOHIMA
- TSEMINYU
- MELURI
QUATER FINAL
Winner of A vrs Runner of B -M
Winner of B vrs Runner of A -N
Winner of C vrs Runner of D – O
Winner of D vrs Runner of C -P
SEMI FINAL
Winner of M vrs Winner of O – X
Winner of N vrs Winner of P – Y
FINAL
Winner of – X vrs Winner of – Y