Kohima: The 24th edition of the NSF Martyrs Trophy is set to begin on September 14 and will culminate on October 4, at IG Stadium, Kohima, Nagaland. The annual tournamen is organised by the Angami Students Union (ASU).
In a press conference held at the ASU office, Vizokho Zashümo, convenor of the organising committee, announced that the prize money for the champion has been increased from Rs. 2.5 lakh to Rs. 3 lakh, in preparation for the silver jubilee next year.
Zashümo highlighted that the tournament has become one of the most reputed and consistent events in the state, attracting many renowned teams over the years. He extended an invitation to all interested teams and mentioned that invitations have been sent to various colleges across the state.
The prize distribution for the tournament includes Rs. 3,00,000 for the champion, Rs. 1,80,000 for the runners-up, Rs. 40,000 each for the losing semi-finalists, and Rs. 25,000 each for the losing quarter-finalists. Additionally, awards of Rs. 10,000 each will be given to the best midfielder, best defender, best custodian, and top scorer, while the player of the tournament will receive Rs. 50,000.
The inaugural match will be a night match, while the remaining matches will be played during the day, with quarterfinals and beyond scheduled as night matches. Entry fees for the matches will be Rs. 50, increasing to Rs. 100 from the quarterfinals onwards.
Forms for participation will be available from August 1, with the last date for submission being September 7, 2024. The form fee is Rs. 200 and the entry fee is Rs. 7,000. Forms can be obtained at the ASU office, Sports Paradise, Sports World, Royal Enfield in Kohima; Falcon Corner in Medziphema; G-Sports in Chümoukedima; and Kiran Sports & Stationeries in Dimapur.
ASU President Khriesamhalie David Mere mentioned that the trophy is organised in honour and remembrance of Lt. Kekuojalie Sachü of Kohima Village and Lt. Vikhozo Yhoshü of Kigwema Village, who were victims of indiscriminate firing by Armed Police from Alichen on March 20, 1986.
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The students were peacefully protesting the extension of the 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.
Mere also noted that teams from neighboring states, including Manipur, Assam, and Meghalaya, have expressed interest in participating in the tournament.
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