Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC) clinched the title of the 25th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy 2025 after defeating Chedema Village Youth Organisation (CVYO) 3–1 in a thrilling finale held at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, on Saturday.
The grand finale, which marked the silver jubilee edition of the prestigious tournament, was graced by the Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland, T.R. Zeliang, as the special guest.
NUSC walked away with the championship trophy, a citation, and a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh, while the runners-up, Chedema VYO, received Rs. 3 lakh along with citations.
From the onset, Nagaland United displayed superior coordination and clinical finishing, establishing early dominance over their opponents. Arap Konyak opened the scoring in the 9th minute, followed by Joel Haokip who doubled the lead in the 28th minute, putting NUSC comfortably ahead by halftime.
Resuming the second half with renewed energy, NUSC’s Manton Konyak found the back of the net in the 47th minute, extending the lead to 3–0. Their solid defensive line, led by the tournament’s Best Defender, Hemping, effectively thwarted every counterattack from Chedema’s side.
Despite trailing behind, CVYO continued to press forward and created several scoring chances. However, missed opportunities and a tight NUSC defence denied them any major breakthrough. Their persistence finally paid off in the 79th minute when an own goal by NUSC’s Zidan Singh reduced the deficit to 3–1.
The closing minutes witnessed spirited play from both sides, but Nagaland United held their ground to emerge deserving champions of the silver jubilee edition of the NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy.
In the individual awards category, Sanathoi Metei (NUSC) was adjudged Player of the Tournament, receiving a citation and a two-wheeler. Sanaton Singh (NUSC) bagged the Golden Glove with a citation and Rs. 25,000, while Hemping (NUSC) was named Best Defender with the same cash award. Manglienboi Neihsial (CVYO) took home the Best Midfielder title, and Thokchom Adison Singh (Mez & Co.) secured the Golden Boot with 10 goals.
Other honours included the Fair Play Award to Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong, Most Promising Player (U-20) to Suziilo Mao (Mao Students’ Union), Best Coach to Khogen Singh (NUSC), and Best Referee to Thumli Joyshing Monsang.
All individual trophies were sponsored by Imli Sunüp Ao, proprietor of G-Sports, Chümoukedima.
The NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy, organised annually by the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), continues to stand as one of Nagaland’s most celebrated football tournaments, honouring the memory of Naga student martyrs while promoting sportsmanship and unity among youth.
Zeliang calls for unity, peace through sports
Special guest during the closing ceremony, Deputy Chief Minister, T.R. Zeliang, in his address, underscored the unifying power of sports and the enduring legacy of sacrifice as he addressed the Grand Finale of the 25th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy 2025 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.
Zeliang extended his warm greetings to the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and the Angami Students’ Union (ASU) for successfully organizing the 25th anniversary edition of the tournament, describing it as a “momentous occasion” that has grown into one of Nagaland’s most cherished platforms for unity, discipline, and youthful excellence.
He noted that sustaining such a tournament for a quarter of a century reflected the organizers’ commitment not only to sports development but also to the preservation of collective memory and identity.
Reflecting on the origins of the memorial, the Zeliang paid tribute to Late Kekuojalie Sachü and Late Vikhozo Yhoshü, in whose memory the trophy was instituted. He said their “supreme sacrifice continues to remind us of courage and conviction,” adding that they laid down their lives not for recognition, but for the ideals of truth and fairness.
Zeliang remarked that the tournament represented more than a sporting event—it stood as a living tribute and a reminder to every generation that the freedom and opportunities enjoyed today were built upon the sacrifices of those who came before. “Each year, when this Trophy is played, we do not merely celebrate football — we honour the spirit of sacrifice, unity, and peace that defines the Naga people,” he stated.
Highlighting the significance of the 25th edition, Zeliang said the tournament had become a unifying force that brought together players, supporters, and communities from every corner of Nagaland. He lauded the organizers for promoting not only athletic talent but also friendship, understanding, and harmony among the people.
Commending the Steering Committee led by Medo Yhokha, the Deputy Chief Minister acknowledged their dedication, discipline, and teamwork in making the large-scale event possible. Referring to the year’s theme, “Goal for Peace”, Zeliang said it carried a powerful message, noting that sports across the world had served as an effective instrument for peace-building and reconciliation. On the playing field, he said, athletes learn values that transcend the game — teamwork, mutual respect, fairness, and perseverance.
Addressing the youth, Zeliang described them as the strength and future of the State, and as the “bridge between Nagaland’s past and future.” He reminded them that success—whether in sports or life—comes through dedication, training, humility, and hard work, adding that “every pass, every goal, and every act of sportsmanship reflects something deeper — the ability to work as one and to move forward together as a team.”
He further commended the Naga Students’ Federation for its sustained vision and leadership in keeping the event alive for 25 years, and praised the Angami Students’ Union for its disciplined organization and teamwork.
Earlier, the invocation was pronounced by Keneingulie Mere, Pastor, Tsiesema Baptist Church.
Reminiscing the Martyrs’ Trophy was shared by Medo Yhokha, Convenor, Steering Committee 25th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy 2025
Comperes for the closing ceremony were Keneido Peseyie, Vizosienuo Shüya and Neidilhoutuo Neibu Sechü.
While the prize distribution was hosted by Asano Zashu and Medolenuo Ambrocia Loucü.