The Chümoukedima District Football Association (CDFA) on Saturday announced that the 2nd CDFA District Football League-cum-Late Dr. Rokonicha Champions Trophy would be held from July 25 to August 15 at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium on the theme “One Chümoukedima.” The tournament marks the return of the district league after its inaugural edition in 2022 and will feature eight teams competing for top honours.
Addressing a press conference, CDFA officials informed that the tournament is being dedicated to the memory of Late Rokonicha, a six-time MLA and one of the most prominent public figures from the erstwhile Dimapur district. They said the late leader’s family has come forward as the title sponsor and has committed to sponsoring not only this edition but also the next three editions of the tournament.
The Association described the sponsorship as a significant boost to football development in the district, noting that Rokonicha had rendered distinguished service as a student leader, youth leader, legislator and community figure.
Tournament format
The competition will feature eight clubs, with the top four league finishers advancing to the Late Rokonicha Champions Trophy knockout stage.
To encourage youth development, each team will be required to field at least two Under-20 players during matches. Clubs must also appoint coaches possessing a minimum AIFF D Licence, making it mandatory for all participating teams to have qualified coaching personnel.
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Prize money
The League Champion will receive Rs 70,000, a trophy and citations, while the Runner-up will receive Rs 40,000, a trophy and citations.
In the Champions Trophy, the winner will also receive Rs 70,000 along with a trophy and citations, while the runner-up will receive Rs 40,000. Both losing semi-finalists will be awarded Rs 20,000 each.
Individual awards will include the Player of the Tournament, Golden Ball, Golden Boot, Golden Glove, and Emerging Player of the Tournament.
Patrons and partners
The tournament will be supported by 10 village councils serving as patrons: Tsiepama Village Council, Piphema Khenu Kruta Krotho, Medziphema Village Council, Ruzaphema Village Council, Seithekema Old Village Council, Seithekema ‘A’ Village Council Seithekema ‘C’ Village Council, Chumoukedima Village Council, Tenyiphe-I Village Council and Sovima Village Council.
G Sports Nagaland has been named the official partner. Other partners include Nagaland Post and FNN as media partners, BN Sound as sound partner, ZS Photography as official photographer, EDA Press as printing partner, and Vicky MJR Vlogs as YouTube partner.
CDFA informed that club registration has already begun, with the last date fixed for July 18. Registration forms can be obtained from G Sports, Chümoukedima, Boots and Kits Store, Medziphema, or through the association’s official email.
Since only eight slots are available, preference would be given to clubs that participated in the inaugural edition. Should the number of applicants exceed the available slots, the association said qualifying matches would be conducted to determine the remaining participants.
The opening ceremony is expected to be held in the evening under floodlights, although the final schedule is yet to be announced. Entry tickets will be priced at a nominal Rs 20 to encourage maximum public participation.
