Stage set for 25th Anniversary edition of the prestigious NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy 2025. (Morung Photo)
CVYO to face Amigos FC in inaugural match
Our Correspondent
Kohima | September 12
The much awaited 25th Anniversary edition of the prestigious NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy 2025 will start from September 13 at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.
Chedema Village Youth Organization (CVYO) will face Amigos FC (Tesophenyu) in the first match of the tournament at 4:30 PM.
The opening ceremony will be graced by Nagaland’s Rural Development & SIRD minister Metsubo Jamir as the inaugural guest.
Seyielhousa Keyho, Secretary, Games & Sports, Angami Students’ Union (ASU) will administer oath to the participating teams.
ASU president Diezevisie Nakhro will deliver welcome address while solidarity message will be shared by Mteisuding Heraang, president, Naga Students’ Federation (NSF).
Keneido Peseyie and Asano Zashu will assist as host for opening ceremony.
Entry to the inaugural match will be free while tickets for other matches will cost Rs 50. From the quarterfinal stage onwards, ticket prices will be Rs 100.
Altogether, 45 teams involving 900 players and 180 team officials from Nagaland, Manipur, Sikkim and Delhi will join the tournament, which will continue till October 18.
The participating teams include one each from Delhi and Sikkim, seven from Manipur and 36 from Nagaland.
Thirty-six matches will be played at Indira Gandhi Stadium and eight matches at Chümoukedima Football Stadium.
There will be only one match on the inaugural day while there will be two matches from September 15 to October 9.
The tournament is jointly organised by NSF and ASU under the theme “Goal for Peace.”
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.
Participating teams
Group 1: Chedema Village Youth Organization, Amigos FC (Tesophenyu), Kidima Farmers United, Onyx Titans FC, United Brothers Club (D’Block)
Group 2: Mez & Co, Kohima Bible College, Kigwema Students’ Union, Nurturing Youngster, Rüffüno Boys.
Group 3: Sadar Hills FA (Manipur), Wolves FC, Nagaland University Kohima Campus, Raisers FC, Michazou FC.
Group 4: PLLA (Manipur), Ensemble FC, Don Bosco SA (Dimapur), Phezoucha Rhiiba YO, Ward-19 (Kohima).
Group 5: Mao Students’ Union, Highlanders FC (Pfutsero), Meriema Youth Organization, Phesama Students’ Union, Corinthians FC.
Group 6: Football 4 Change (F4C Manipur), Sechü Zubza Football Academy, Dimapur Chaos, Phesazou SC (Chiechama).
Group 7: Kuki United (Manipur), Medziphema Football Academy, Damokies FC (Medziphema), Viswemi FC.
Group 8: Anal Lenruwi Tangpi (Manipur), Kirha FC, Patkai FC, Jakhama Youth Organization.
Direct entry into pre-quarter finals: Rever Gangtok SC (Sikkim), Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong, Red Scars, Sechü Zubza FC, New Market FC, Nagaland United SC, Delhi Police and Nagaland Police.
