Nagaland: NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy to go ‘green’ this year

Kohima: The annual Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy, organised by the Angami Students’ Union (ASU), is all set to go green this year. The event is going to be held at the Kohima Local ground from September 21 to October 21.

Revealing this at a press conference held at the ASU office on Friday, ASU president Vizokho Zashümo said that in a bid to discourage single-use plastic items, 15-20 water dispensers will be provided at strategic locations all throughout the tournament. This initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the Kohima Municipal Council and Kohima Smart City Development Private Limited. He also appealed all spectators to carry their own water bottles and refill as per their need.

Collaborating with the forest department and the divisional forest officer (DFO) under the theme ‘Plant for life’, Zashümo said that unlike previous years, tree saplings will be gifted to guests and well-wishers as souvenirs instead of the usual customised mementos.

Along with local referees, four-five national referees having All India Football Federation (AIFF) licence will conduct the tournament.

When asked if there are any plans to introduce women’s football in the annual tournament, working committee member Zakie Khate said that although the union has no immediate plans, the idea of introducing women’s football is a possibility in the future.

Strategically, the tournament tickets are priced at Rs 30 from the preliminary round to the pre-quarter finals. Beginning from the quarter finals till the finals, tickets will be priced at Rs 50 where 10 lucky winners (on all days) will be given gift hampers. However, there shall be free entry on the inaugural day on Sept 21. Free entry throughout the tourney will be made for elderly citizens and in students in uniforms (after school hours).

With a prize pool of over Rs 5.3 lakh, a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1.2 lakh will be awarded to the first and second position holders, respectively, along with trophy and citation. Rs 30,000 and Rs 15,000 will be rewarded to the losing semi-finalists and losing quarter finalists, respectively.

Meanwhile, a cash of Rs 10,000 each will be given to individual category winners —best mid fielder, best defence, highest scorer and best custodian along with citation. The player of the tournament will win a motorcycle.

While the last date of filing the registration forms is September 17, the organisers are hoping that over 40-50 teams will compete in the tournament.