NFA announces Dr T Ao Trophy 2025 Fixtures

Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 30

The Nagaland Football Association (NFA) drew the fixture for the upcoming 24th edition of Dr T Ao Trophy (Inter-District Football Championship) 2025 at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima on June 30.

The fixture was drawn in the presence of Kohima Deputy Commissioner B Henok Buchem, NFA president K. Neibou Sekhose, Youth resources & sports director Kethosituo Sekhose, officials from District Football Associations, organizing committee as well as members of the Tournament Technical Committee.

The tournament is organised by NFA under the aegis of All India Football Federation (AIFF) and powered by Kohima District Planning & Development Board. The tournament will be hosted by Kohima District Football Association (KDFA) from August 1 to 15 at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.

The Inter District Football Championship aims to strengthen what already is football crazy state. The  Championship is to provide a platform where we nurture talent, promote players, promote the game and work within the state to associate sports especially football as a viable career for the youth in Nagaland, said Neibou Sekhose while address press conference.

Stating that the tournament will be played on league cum knock out system, NFA stated that the creation of league cum knock out tournament will bring the best of management and provide football services to the state thus turning into a natural asset for the people in the state by creating a tournament of high standard that will portray, promote and produce football and the wonderful Naga people.

Through this league cum knock tournament, the NFA aim to select state team to represent the state as a viable footballing state in the country as well as in the world community by having a vision for football in the state.

Organizing committee constituted
The DC Kohima said that the organizing committee has been constituted in the interest of successful management of the tournament, which is headed by Kevipodi Sophie, MLA as chairman, Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhutso, MLA as co-chairman and himself as member secretary among the others.

Around 20 sub-committees have also been constituted involving 150 members from various agencies.

Later, Neibou Sekhose informed the District Football Associations that those who refuse to participate in this tournament or refuse to represent the district will not be allowed to represent the state nor in the Nagaland Super League. Our aim is to create football opportunity and we want to have Naga unity through this tournament, he said.

About Dr T Ao Trophy
The Inter District Football Tournament had started in early 70’s organised by NFA and it was renamed to DrT Ao Trophy (Inter District Football Championship) in 2004 by Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio and sponsored the cash prize of Rs.6.00 lakh and the tournament is hosted in rotation by the District football Associations in collaboration with the Department of Youth Resources & Sports and District Sports Council.

Dr Talimeren Ao, commonly known as Dr T Ao, was a legendary footballer and the first Naga Olympian.

He captained the Indian national football team at the 1948 London Olympics, a significant achievement for both himself and the nation. The tournament will be held in adherence to all football laws sanctioned by AIFF/FIFA.

Prize money
The champion will fetch a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh while runner-up will receive Rs 2 lakh. Losing semi finalists will get Rs 50,000 each. The 17 Districts Football Associations will also receive preparation fund of Rs 50,000 each. 17 teams from 17 districts of Nagaland will join the tournament.

Meanwhile, NFA has also constituted Technical Committee for the tournament, headed by Roko Angami. He will be assisted by Mghato Aye, Kiyekha S Sumi, Mathew Yhome, Kevingutuo Sekhose, Kevilebei Paphino, Zakietuolie Khrodi, Dzieseneituo Belho, Dziesebei-ü, Ruopfü Meyase and L. Shahoto Yimchunger. Kevingutuo Sekhose will be the match commissioner while Medozevi Punyü and Zakielatuo Seletsu will be referee assessor and competition physio respectively.