Nagaland prepare to host Dr T Ao Trophy

Abu Metha and others addressing the press conference at Hotel Vivor, Kohima on January 18. (DIPR Photo)

 

A total cash prize of Rs 22.85 lakh set aside for the trophy 

 

Our Correspondent
Kohima | January 18

The upcoming North East Dr. T.Ao Trophy 2020 starting from January 20 at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima will carry a total cash prize of Rs. 22. 85 lakh.

Indira Gandhi Stadium has been further upgraded with flood lights and with other equipments and is now ready to host national and international sports events.

Abu Metha, adviser to Chief Minister Nagaland today told a press conference here at Hotel Vivor that this football tournament will be held under the theme “Together we can soar” wherein all the north eastern states have confirmed their participation.

The organizing committee, involving different departments and the Youth Resources & Sports Department, with the Chief Secretary Temjen Toy as Convenor has been working for several weeks for the success of the tournament.

Divided into two groups, the eight north eastern states will play league matches in the initial stage of the tournament and two teams from each group will qualify for the semi finals.

Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Tripura have been placed under Group A while Group B will consist of Sikkim, Assam, Meghalaya and Mizoram.

The champion will win Rs. 10 lakh, while the runner up will get Rs. 6 lakh. The 3rd and 4th placed teams will be awarded with Rs. 2 lakh and Rs. 1 lakh respectively.

Fair play winner will get Rs. 50,000 while player of the tournament will receive Rs. 25,000.

Other prize includes; Highest Score - Rs. 10,000, Best Goalkeeper-Rs. 10,000, Best Defender-Rs. 10,000, Best Midfielder-Rs. 10,000, Best Forward-Rs. 10,000, Man of the Final-Rs. 10,000,  Champion Team Coach & Manager- Rs. 15,000 each,  Runner-up Team Coach & Manager- Rs. 10,000 each and Loser Teams (League stage) - Rs. 50,000- each.

The tournament is jointly organized by the Nagaland state government in collaboration with Nagaland Football Association (NFA) and supported by the Government of India.

The technical aspects of tournament will be conducted as per guidelines of the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

Metha said that Nagaland is hosting Dr. T.Ao Football Tournament for the second time under the initiative of Chief Minister of Neiphiu Rio. The first took place in 2009 in Dimapur.

 
Metha said that the tournament is one of the biggest football events as far as the North-east is concerned.

The tournament is held in honour of Indian football legend Dr. T. Ao, who led the Indian football team in the 1948 Olympics.

According to Metha, this Tournament is named after him for the simple reason of his achievement, career and reputation which inspired every generation, not only this region but all over the country.

Nagaland Governor RN Ravi will grace the inaugural function on January 20 at 9:00 am.

Nagaland will face Arunachal Pradesh in its first match at 10:30 AM. Manipur will face Tripura in the second match at 4:00 PM.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio will be the special guest for the grand finale on January 28.

The general public across the state have been invited to witness the matches.

Meanwhile, general public have been informed that the Mini Bus Union will be providing bus services from High School junction to the Indira Gandhi Stadium.