26th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy from Nov 13 to Dec 3

Morung Express News
Kohima | September 15

The Angami Students’ Union (ASU) on today announced that the 26th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy will be held from November 13 to December 3 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, in collaboration with the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) and Hornbill Festival 2026.

Announcing this at a press conference at the ASU office, Convenor of the Organising Committee Kesosul Christopher Ltu said the tournament would be played over 17 days, with the grand finale scheduled for December 3, coinciding with Hornbill Festival 2026. The organisers said teams from across Nagaland and the Northeast are expected to participate. Due to the limited tournament period, teams will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis, and urged interested teams to collect and submit forms at the earliest.

Fixtures will be drawn on November 2. The form fee has been fixed at Rs. 300, while the entry fee is Rs. 7,000.

The total prize pool for the 26th edition is Rs. 8.8 lakh. The champions will receive Rs. 3.5 lakh along with citations and medals, while the runners-up will receive Rs. 2 lakh. The losing semi-finalists will receive Rs. 60,000 each and losing quarter-finalists Rs. 30,000 each.

Individual awards carrying Rs 10,000 each will be given for Best Custodian, Best Defender, Best Midfielder, Golden Boot, Fair Play and Most Promising Player (Under-19). The Player of the Tournament will receive Rs 30,000, while a Player of the Match award will be given for every game.

The organisers also announced that, on a trial basis, the management of ground operations and the hotel/restaurant facility during the tournament will be awarded through a tender process. The tender amount has been fixed at Rs 12 lakh, with the final award to be decided by the ASU.

Ten lucky draws will also be conducted from the quarter-finals through the grand finale using spectators’ entry tickets.

The ASU appealed to firms, companies and agencies to partner with the organising committee by advertising their products and services, describing the tournament as one of the major events associated with Hornbill Festival 2026.

Forms will be available at Kiran Sports, Dimapur; G-Sports, Chümoukedima; Sports World and the ASU office in Kohima; Urban Concerns, High School Kohima; and Falcon Corner, Medziphema.