Steering committee of 25th anniversary edition of NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy 2025 during press conference in Kohima on July 31. (Morung Photo)
• Tournament scheduled for September 13 to October 18
• Entry forms available from Aug 9; last date for submission on Aug 30
• 178-days tournament Trophy Tour from March 20 till mid-September
Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 31
The steering committee for the 25th anniversary edition of NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy 2025 today informed that entry forms will be made available from August 9 onwards.
Organised by Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and Angami Students’ Union (ASU), this 25th anniversary edition under the theme “Goal for Peace” has been scheduled for September 13 to October 18, 2025.
The last date for submission of form is August 30, said Steering Committee member secretary Neizokhotuo Belho while addressing a press conference here today at Hotel Japfu, Kohima.
Entry fee has been fixed at Rs 10,000 per team.
In Kohima, entry forms will be available at NSF office (Naga Solidarity Park), ASU office (Near AIR Kohima), Sports Paradise (Keziekie), Sports World (Main town) and Royal Enfield (High School).
Medziphema- Falcon Corner, Chümoukedima- G Sports, Dimapur-Kiran Sports & Stationeries and DNSU office, Senapati- SDSA office and Mokokchung - AKM office.
Belho informed that the total prize money for the tournament has been set at Rs 15 lakh.
Kezhazer Angami, treasurer- Steering Committee highlighted the background of the NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy and Roll of Honour.
The Trophy is organised in honour and in remembrance of the two comrades Lt. Kekuojalie Sachü of Kohima Village and Lt. Vikhozo Yhoshü of Kigwema Village, who were victims to the indiscriminate firings of the Armed Police from Alichen, when the students’ fraternity, on the 20th of March 1986, were on a peaceful duty call to the extension of Disturbed Area Belt from 5 KM along the Indo Myanmar Border and against the induction of Indian Police Service (IPS) cadres into the state of Nagaland.
The 25th anniversary edition will be organised in the more standard and more professional manner, Kezhazer said.
The organizer expects a good number of teams from across the state including the neighbouring states.
Dievi Yano, member Steering Committee informed that the tournament will be played at Indira Gandhi Stadium Kohima and Chümoukedima Football Stadium.
Since its inception, Sedeneikho Shosahie, convenor Publicity Committee maintained that the tournament has become one of the most respected football events in the region.
Over 19,200 young players have showcased their talent through this platform and were promoted with around 1,920 coaches and team managers.
The 17th edition in 2016 edition saw the highest participation, with 66 teams.
In 2008, Temjenjungla Jamir became the first lady team manager of the NSF Martyrs Memorial Trophy, who led Blue Chester team. In 2014, Robert Begerau became the first foreign coach, who coached St. Joseph’s College Jakhama team. In 2015, Jujong Khiam, at the age of 43, representing Khulioh King FC Tuensang made a remarkable history as the oldest player. In 2017, Onyeama (Francis Okechukwu) of Lamphal FC Manipur became the first foreign player to participate in the NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy.
Earlier, ASU President Diezevisie Nakhro and NSF games & sports secretary Kevilelhou Zumu highlighted the account of Trophy Tour of the NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy 2025.
Mentionably, the NSF and ASU have decided to conduct a 178-days long tournament Trophy Tour to all Naga inhabited areas starting from March 20 till mid-September.
