Nagaland United Sports Club celebrates after winning the 25th Anniversary Edition of the NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy 2025 on October 18.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 18
Nagaland United Sports Club defeated Chedema Village Youth Organization 3-1 in the final to lift the prestigious 25th Anniversary Edition of the NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy 2025 at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, on Saturday.
In the final, Arap Konyak, Joel Haokip, and Manton Konyak scored for Nagaland United SC in the 9th, 28th, and 47th minutes respectively. Chedema Village Youth Organization’s lone goal came from an own goal by Zidan Singh of Nagaland United SC in the 79th minute.
Nagaland Youth Resources and Sports Advisor S. Keoshu Yimkhiung presented the champion team with the trophy, citation, and a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh. The runners-up, Chedema Village Youth Organization, were awarded Rs 3 lakh along with a citation, handed over by Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland.
Addressing the closing ceremony as the special guest, Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang said the NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy has grown over the years into one of Nagaland’s most cherished platforms for unity, discipline, and youthful excellence. He thanked the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and Angami Students’ Union (ASU) for organising the 25th Anniversary edition of the tournament. “To sustain such an event for a quarter of a century is no small achievement and reflects your commitment not only to sports development but also to the preservation of our collective memory and identity as a people,” he said.
He added, “As we gather in this grand stadium today, our thoughts go to the two brave souls in whose memory this trophy was instituted—Late Kekuojalie Sachü and Late Vikhozo Yhoshü. Their supreme sacrifice on that fateful day continues to remind us of courage and conviction. These young men laid down their lives not for fame or recognition, but for the ideals of truth and fairness.”
Calling the memorial tournament more than a sporting event, Zeliang said, “It is a living tribute,a reminder to every generation that the freedom and opportunities we enjoy today have been built upon the sacrifices of those who came before us. Each year, when this trophy is played, we do not merely celebrate football, we honour the spirit of sacrifice, unity, and peace that defines the Naga people.”
He noted that the 25th edition marks a significant milestone, adding, “Over the past two and a half decades, the tournament has become a unifying force that brings together players, supporters, and communities from every corner of our state. Through this tournament, the organisers have successfully promoted not just athletic talent but also friendship, understanding, and harmony among our people.”
Zeliang commended the Steering Committee, led by Medo Yhokha, for their dedication and discipline in organising such a large-scale event. Describing the tournament theme, “Goal for Peace,” as meaningful and deeply relevant, he said, “In every corner of the world, sports has been a powerful tool for peace-building and reconciliation. On the playing field, we learn lessons that go far beyond the game itself. We learn the values of teamwork, mutual respect, fairness, and perseverance.”
He added, “In sport, we compete, but we also connect. We strive to win, but we also learn to accept defeat with grace. We discover that true success is not measured in trophies or medals, but in the strength of character we build along the way. A good sportsperson knows that success is never accidental. It comes from dedication, training, humility, and hard work.”
Urging the finalist teams, Nagaland United SC and Chedema Village Youth Organization, Zeliang said, “Play with integrity, play with respect, and play for peace. Let this tournament continue to be a beacon of hope, unity, and remembrance. Let it remind us that while our martyrs are no longer with us, their dreams for a just, peaceful, and united Naga society live on through each one of us. In their honour, let us continue to build a Nagaland where every young person can dream freely, play proudly, and live peacefully. Let our differences become our strength, our challenges become opportunities, and our dreams become shared goals.”
Earlier, Steering Committee convenor Medo Yhokha shared a note on “Reminiscing the Martyrs’ Trophy.”
Individual Awards:
Player of the Tournament (Citation & Two-Wheeler): Sanathoi Metei (Nagaland United SC)
Best Custodian (Golden Glove, Citation & Rs 25,000): Sanaton Singh (Nagaland United SC)
Best Defender (Citation & Rs 25,000): Hemping (Nagaland United SC)
Best Mid-Fielder (Citation & Rs 25,000): Manglienboi Neihsial (Chedema VYO)
Top Scorer (Golden Boot, Citation & Rs 25,000, 10 goals): Thokchom Adison Singh (Mez & Co)
Fair Play Award (Citation & Rs 25,000): Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong
Most Promising Player (U-20, Citation & Rs 25,000): Suziilo Mao (Mao Students’ Union)
Best Coach (Citation & Rs 10,000): Khogen Singh (Nagaland United SC)
Best Referee (Citation & Rs 10,000): Thumli Joyshing Monsang
All individual awards were sponsored by Imli Sunüp Ao, proprietor of G-Sports, Chümoukedima.
