The Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) held a press conference on July 30, announcing the much-awaited MDFA Tournament 2023 under the theme “Empower through Football.” Exciting news awaits football enthusiasts as this year’s MDFA trophy will be an open tournament, inviting clubs from all over Nagaland to compete for the coveted title.
Breaking away from previous restrictions, the tournament will welcome clubs from across Nagaland, without any limitations on bringing players from anywhere in the country or even abroad. This new approach aims to foster greater participation and diversity in the competition.
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The MDFA officials revealed that the tournament will kick off on September 19, and clubs can register their teams from August 10 until August 31. The registration fee is set at Rs 5000, and the fixtures will be drawn on September 15.
The prize money for the victorious club stands at a substantial Rs two Lakh, while the runner-up will receive Rs one Lakh along with individual prizes. This year marks a significant milestone in the history of MDFA, as the winners and the runners-up will be awarded individual medals, elevating the accolades for their achievements.
With an aim to encourage participation from clubs outside the district, the MDFA will provide free lodging facilities for those competing teams. This thoughtful initiative is expected to attract more teams and elevate the tournament’s standard.
During the press conference, the MDFA officials emphasized their commitment to nurturing local talent. Indigenous players will be selected during the tournament to represent the Mokokchung district in the upcoming prestigious Dr T Ao Trophy 2023, scheduled to take place at Tuensang District.
The tournament’s opening day will be a grand affair with an “Extravaganza” featuring performances by various artists from the state and the officials mentioned that there will be no matches on the opening day. The extravaganza will be open to all, with no tickets required, setting the stage for an exciting and entertaining sporting spectacle. It was announced that the matches will begin from September 20.
It was also announced that the MDFA has lifted the quota restrictions on outside-the-district players, allowing clubs to hire talents from anywhere to strengthen their squads.
While the MDFA officials expressed their desire to increase the prize money, they clarified that certain regulations set by the Nagaland Football Association (NFA) limit their ability to do so. However, to honour the winners, the MDFA will introduce a new tradition of awarding medals along with citations, recognizing their exceptional performances on the field.
As the MDFA Tournament 2023 approaches, football enthusiasts across Nagaland eagerly await the thrill and excitement that awaits. This year’s open format promises fierce competition, showcasing the best talents from the region, with a chance to shine on the national stage in the Dr. T Ao Trophy 2023.
Football clubs in Nagaland can mark their calendars and prepare for the upcoming extravaganza, where they will witness the spirit of empowerment through football take centre stage.
