21st NSF MARTYRS’ MEMORIAL TROPHY: Night matches to be introduced this edition

Our Correspondent
Kohima | September 28

The 21st Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) Martyr’s Memorial Trophy 2019 organised by the Angami Students Union (ASU) which is scheduled in October at the IG Stadium, Kohima. The Trophy is organised in honour and in memory of Kekuojalie Sachü of Kohima village and Vikhozo Yhoshü of Kigwema Village, who were killed in police firing during a protest rally in Kohima  called by the NSF on March 20, 1986. The protest was over the extension of the ‘Disturbed Area Belt’ along the Indo-Myanmar Border and against the induction of Indian Police Service cadres into the state of Nagaland.

This year, the organising committee informed that the tournament will witness night matches as well from the quarter-finals onwards. 

Addressing a press conference at the ASU office, Convenor of the tournament Dievi Yano said that the NSF Trophy under the theme ‘Goal for Peace’ will commence from October 9 and conclude on November 6. The tournament was withheld last year owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, this year with more physical relaxation, the Union has decided to host the tournament, he said. 

Adding that they are introducing the game at the astro turf ground, he expressed hope the players will exhibit their best. 
On the introduction of matches under floodlights, he said that the idea was to facilitate leisure time for families in the evening hours. The inaugural match will be played under lights and entry will be free. However for the league round, the gallery price will be Rs 30 and Rs 50 from the quarter-final onwards. 

Meanwhile all the players and team officials were reminded that either Covid-19 vaccination certificate or Covid test report will be compulsory, as per Covd-19 the SOP laid down by the Nagaland Health & Family Welfare Department.
In this edition, the champion will walk home with a cash prize of Rs.  2 lakh and runners up with Rs. 1.2 lakh. The semi-finalists and quarter-finalists will each get Rs 30,000 and Rs. 15,000, respectively. 

Individual awards include Player of the Tournament, Highest Scorer, Best Custodian, Best defender, Best Mid-fielder.
Centurion FC Kohima village are the reigning champions with consecutive wins in 2018 and 2019.

In Kohima, entry forms are available at Sports Paradise, Ruluo Market Keziekie, Sports World, main town, KK Motors Royal Enfield, High School, NSF Office and ASU Office, below AIR Station. It is available at Falcon Corner at Medziphema, G-Sports in Chümoukedima and Kiran Sports Dimapur. 

The last date of form submission is October 6.