Dignitaries with others during trophy tour of 25th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy 2025 at Kohima village on March 20. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 20
The Trophy Tour of the 25th Anniversary edition of the NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy 2025 to all Naga Homeland was launched here today.
It was formally launched by Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) president Medovi Rhi and 25th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy Steering committee chairman Medo Yhokha. Addressing the launching programme after 39th NSF Martyrs’ Day 2025 here today, Yhokha stressed on the need to revisit and pay “our highest respect and honour to the sacrifices made by our two students comrades.” (Late Kekuojalie Sachü of Kohima village and Late Vikhozo Yhoshü of Kigwema village).
We recommit ourselves to ever continue to honour their names by sustaining their fights, Yhokha said adding “We will not falter, we will not fail and we will never ever forget nor give up their legacy.”
Yhokha said the trophy tour would also go out to convey “our highest respect and honour to all our Naga leaders, both past and present, who had walked the path of our struggle giving in their very best for our people and society.”
This event would also go out to convey our solidarity and salute to all our Naga people living at the extreme fringes of our Naga homeland, to the people living in our unique Naga villages and living across the border, Yhokha said.
We salute them for their continued struggle in upholding our identity and dignity as Naga, he added.
“As we also mark the 25th Anniversary Edition of the NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy, we see how sports, like activism, has the power to unite, to inspire, and to forge resilience. This tournament is more than just a game; it is a tribute to our history, a symbol of our unyielding spirit, and a reaffirmation of our commitment to a just society,” said Rhi.
He thanked the Steering Committee for their dedication and hard work to organize the prestigious event.
May this tournament continue to inspire and may we always remember the sacrifices that made our journey possible, Rhi added.
Mentionably, the NSF and Angami Students’ Union (ASU) have decided to conduct a 178-days long tournament Trophy Tour to all Naga inhabited areas – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Nagaland and Myanmar starting from March 20 till mid-September.
The 25th anniversary edition of the prestigious NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy 2025 with the theme “Goal for Peace” will be held from September 13 to October 18 at Indira Gandhi Stadium Kohima and Chumoukedima Stadium.
Trophy tour reaches Kohima village
The Trophy tour reached Kohima Village today and it will be kept for public display till March 22.
Kohima Village Students’ Union (KVSU) organised a brief programme wherein Prasielie Pienyii, chairman NHHDC Ltd and former president of Angami Students Union and KVSU unfurled NSF Martyrs’ Memorial flag at Kohima Village Council Hall premises.
Addressing the gathering, Pienyii said that Late Kekuojalie Sachü and Late Vikhozo Yhoshü made a supreme sacrifice in 1986 for a common cause and in whose memory the tournament is being organized annually by ASU.
He was hopeful that this 25th Anniversary edition of the NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy will bring better understanding and unity among the Nagas.
In his short speech, Kohima Village Council chairman Hielievio Solo thanked the 25th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy Steering Committee/NSF and ASU for coming forward to spread the message of peace, love, unity and oneness through a Trophy Tour.
The programme was chaired by KVSU vice president Vizovolie Rame while welcome address was delivered by KVSU president Khriesaneikuo Kire.
The life tribute of Late Kekuojalie Sachii was shared by Zakievo-u Sachii, younger brother of Late Kekuojalie.
Vidisenuo Belho presented a special number while legacy of the champions team 1998 was shared by Keneingu Albert Rutsa, KVSU Team Coach 1998.
Earlier, Kezhakietuo Belho, Associate Pastor, Khedi Baptist Church invoked God’s blessings.
