Our Correspondent Kohima | September 24 All together, 51 teams from Nagaland and Manipur will be vying for the coveted championship title of 18th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy 2017 being held under the aegis of Angami Students’ Union (ASU) from September 26 to October 21 at the Kohima Local Ground (Khuochiezie). Announcing this in a press conference here today, organizing committee member Metevizo Sophie said that out of the 51 teams, four teams each are from Manipur and Dimapur, two from Phek and one each from Kiphire and Peren. Kohima has the bulk of the teams with the remaining 39 teams from the capital city. The inaugural match on September 26 will be played between Nagaland Police (DGP team Red) and New Reserve Youth Organization. Organizing committee member Sedevikho Tsiikru informed that the gallery ticket for spectators has been fixed at Rs. 30 and Rs. 50 from quarter finals onwards. He said entry for senior citizens and specially-abled people will be free. A special stage has also been set for them in the rostrum. Concession will also be accorded to students in school uniform after 2:00 pm. ASU president Visako Rino said that the inaugural function on September 26 will take place at 1:00 pm with Minister for Roads & Bridges Dr. Neikiesalie (Nicky) Kire as the chief guest. Laying of wreaths and hoisting of flag will take place at 8:00 am at NSF Martyrs’ Park. All the participating teams have been requested to attend the inaugural function compulsorily. He also made a fervent appeal to the spectators to maintain cleanliness and not to litter the gallery. Organizing committee convenor Kezhazer Angami said the inaugural function will witness the presence of 2000 students. There will be free entry for spectators on the inaugural match. The tournament will also witness three exhibition matches. ASU (Seniors) vs Kohima Bar Association, Naga Students’ Federation vs ASU and ASU vs Angami Youth Organization. It may be noted here that a total cash prize money of Rs. 3. 80 lakh has been set for this tournament. The champions will be awarded with a cash prize of Rs. 1,60,000 while the runner-up will receive Rs. 1 lakh. The 2nd and 3rd runner-up will pocket Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 30,000 respectively while the losing quarter finalists will receive Rs. 10,000 each. There will also be individual prizes for player of the tournament, best custodian, best mid-fielder, highest scorer, best defender and also best disciplined team. The tournament is organized in honour and in remembrance of late Kekuojalie Sachii of Kohima Village and late Vikhozo Yhoshii of Kigwema village, who were victims to the indiscriminate firings of the Armed Police from Alichen, when the students’ fraternity, on March 20, 1986 were on a peaceful duty call of the Naga Students’ Federation to register Nagas’ resentment against the state government’s decision to the extension of Disturbed Area Belt from 5 km – 20 km along the Indo-Myanmar border and against the induction of Indian Police Service (IPS) cadres into the state of Nagaland. In exercise to honour and keep alive the sacrifices made for the Nagas by the two martyrs and to be the living vanguard in protecting the cause of the younger generations, the Angami Students’ Union, started the herculean task of organizing the Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy. Starting off in the 80’s, the “Lt. Kekuojalie & Lt. Vikhozo Memorial Trophy” was played annually, but participation was confined only to Angami students’ fraternity. From 1992 onwards at the behest of the NSF and general public, and also to bestow the memorial trophy in a wider prospective, the trophy was converted into an open football tournament with the nomenclature “Open NSF Martyrs’ Trophy”. The All Zeliangrong Students’ Union having won the trophy for three years consecutively, the trophy went into their possession. Thereafter, a new trophy for the tournament was procured by the ASU and the nomenclature for the same was changed into “NSF Martyrs Memorial Trophy” with the theme “Goal for Peace.” Participating teams Old Ministers’ Hill FC, 14th NAP (IR) Battalion, Tangkhul Students’ Union, Govt. Polytechnic Kohima, Speartex FC Kohima, Esii United FC, Athletico Boys, Lamphel FC, Wagers FC, Upper Bayavii, Forerunners 4th NAP Thizama, Kigwema Students’ Union, Augury Club, Sieyhazou Hills Boys FC, Billy Graham FC, Tiema-Khe Kidima, NU Kohima Campus, Renegades FC, KVNS Club, Tyrants FC, Kirha Youth Society Viswema, Rooster Club Phesama, Zeal Sporting Club, FC Chetheba, Agape FC, Kohima Bible College, Kings FC Chiiziema, Biekrazou, 12 Tribe United FC, High School Taxi Drivers’ XI, Putu FC Zhavame village, Dream FC, Barak FC Peren, New Reserve Youth Organization, Chedema Village Youth Organization, Fosters FC, Butchers Union FC, Kohima Science College Jotsoma, Naga Bazar FC, Speed Talented Juniors, Nagaland Police (DGP Team Red), Mongols FC, Patkai Christian College, G. Sporting Club, Kohima Royal Kickers, Khriekesa FC Meriema, Khyouchi FC Manipur, TTYO AG, Pezielietsie Colony, Eleven Avengers and Sports Link FC.
