Fixture for Dr T Ao Trophy 2026 announced

Our Correspondent
Kohima | September 21 

The Nagaland Football Association (NFA) today announced the fixture of the upcoming silver jubilee edition of Dr. T. Ao Trophy 2026 (Inter- District Football Championship) scheduled for October 13 to 31 at Renpo Lu Astro Turf, Ungma, Mokokchung.

The fixture was drawn on September 21 at NFA office, Kohima in the presence of MLA & Transport & Technical Education department advisor Temjenmenba, NFA president K. Neibou Sekhose, Department of Youth Resources & Sports (DYRS) director Kethosituo Sekhose and officials of district football associations under NFA.

The tournament will see the participation of 17 districts, which had been divided into four groups.

Group A will consists Mon, Dimapur, Zunheboto, Noklak and Kiphire. Group B: Kohima, Tseminyu, Shamator and Longleng. Group C: Meluri, Tuensang, Wokha and Mokokchung. Group D: Niuland, Chümoukedima, Phek and Peren.

The tournament is organized by NFA in collaboration with Government of Nagaland, Department of Youth Resources & Sports under the aegis of All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Mokokchung District Football Association as host.

Preparation
Temjenmenba who is also the convernor of the organizing committee of Dr. T. Ao Trophy 2026 said that there are lots of challenges to finish all the infrastructural works at the right time and everybody is working on war footing to see that by the time the tournament start, all amenities and infrastructure are in place.”

He said that Government of Nagaland under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio was kind enough to allocate the requisite fund, for which preparation are going smoothly.

Kethosituo Sekhose said that the department under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio has taken up in all earnest to ensure that the infrastructure are ready for the tournament on time.
He said that football turf and floodlights at the stadium are already ready for use, while work is continuing on galleries, parking areas, approach roads and other basic facilities.

Some of the infrastructure works were originally scheduled for completion next year. However, with the cooperation of the NFA, MDFA, organising committee, local leaders and contractors, efforts are underway to make the essential facilities ready before the tournament begins, Sekhose said.

Neibou Sekhose informed all the 17 districts football associations have been allotted Rs. 50,000 each for necessary arrangement  for the tournament. TA will also be given to the players and officials.
He informed that the NFA will try to bring FIFA ranking referees for the tournament from semi finals onwards.

He extended invitation to all the affiliated sport associations under Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) to the silver jubilee edition of Dr. T. Ao Trophy.

He said that Nagaland team will be selected from this tournament for Santosh Trophy 2026-27.

Earlier, Temjenmenba released the bye-law of the tournament while Kethosituo Sekhose released official poster of the tournament.

Prize money
The champion will win a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh along with trophy and citation while runner- up will get Rs. 2 lakh.

Semi finalists will be awarded with Rs. 50,000 each.

The will also be individual awards for best goalkeeper, best defence, best player and highest scorer of the tournament.

The entry ticket for spectator have been fixed at Rs. 50 for round matches and Rs. 100 from quarter final matches till grand finale.

FIXTURE for Dr. T.AO Trophy 2026
Groups
Group A: Mon, Dimapur, Zunheboto, Noklak and Kiphire
Group B: Kohima, Tseminyu, Shamator and Longleng
Group C: Meluri, Tuensang, Wokha and Mokokchung
Group D: Niuland, Chümoukedima, Phek and Peren

Quarter Final
Winner of Group A vs 
Runner of Group B  (M)
Winner of Group B vs 
Runner of Group A (N)
Winner of Group C vs 
Runner of Groups D (O)
Winner of Group D vs  
Runner of Group  C (P)

Semi Final
Winner of M vs Winner of O (X)
Winner of N vs  Winner of P (Y)

Final
Winner of X vs Winner of Y