ASU officials along with the organizing committee during a press conference held at the ASU office in Kohima on November 11. (Morung Photo)
Total prize money set at Rs 8.80 lakh
Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 11
The 26th edition of the NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy 2026 will commence on November 13 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, under the theme “Goal for Peace”, with 22 teams set to compete for the championship title.
The tournament is being organised by the Angami Students’ Union (ASU) under the aegis of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF).
ASU President Diezevisie Nakhro said the tournament is being supported by the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) in collaboration with Hornbill Festival 2026.
The trophy is organised in honour and remembrance of two comrades, Late Kekuojalie Sachü of Kohima Village and Late Vikhozo Yhoshü of Kigwema Village, who fell victim to indiscriminate firing by armed police from Alichen on March 20, 1986.
The incident occurred when the student fraternity was on a peaceful duty call against the extension of the Disturbed Area Belt by 5 km along the Indo-Myanmar border and the induction of Indian Police Service (IPS) cadres into Nagaland.
Addressing a press conference at the ASU office in Kohima on November 11, Organising Committee Convenor Kesosul Christopher Ltu informed that Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer would grace the inaugural programme on November 13 at 4 pm.
The tournament is supported by official partners and sponsors, including YES Coffee, Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission, PepsiCo, Progressive Motors, G Sports, Polo Hotel and Fam Fun Plaza.
The competition will be held over 17 days, concluding on December 3. Entry tickets for spectators have been fixed at Rs 50 for the league matches and Rs 100 from the quarter-finals through the grand finale.
Ground management will be undertaken by the Northern Angami Students’ Union.
22 teams confirm participation
ASU Secretary for Games and Sports Seyielhousa Keyho informed that 22 teams would compete for the coveted championship title.
The participating teams are New Market FC, D’ Block Youth Organization, Ward-19, Mez & Co FA, Kidima Farmers United, Lamkang Students’ Union, KPMT, United Brothers FC, Tsieru FC Meriema, Corinthians FC, All Zeliangrong Students’ Union, Head Hunters FC, Chüziema FC, YO Bros FC Phezoucha, Legacy FC, United-4 FC Kohima, Anal Lenruwl Tangpi, Luminous FC, Medziphema Football Academy, Asüfü Football Academy, Nerhema FC and SZFC Academy.
D’ Block Youth Organization will take on Ward-19 in the inaugural match.
Prize money: Champions to receive Rs 3.5 lakh
The champions will receive Rs 3.50 lakh, while the runners-up will take home Rs 2 lakh.
The losing semi-finalists will be awarded Rs 60,000 each, while the losing quarter-finalists will receive Rs 30,000 each.
In the individual categories, the Player of the Tournament will receive Rs 30,000 along with a citation.
The Best Custodian (Golden Glove), Best Defender, Best Midfielder, Top Scorer (Golden Boot), Fair Play Award and Most Promising Player will each receive Rs 10,000 and a citation.
The Player of the Match in every game will also receive a citation and memento.
Meanwhile, 10 lucky draws will be conducted from the quarter-finals through the grand finale, with winners selected using spectators’ entry tickets.
