The 24th edition of the D. T Ao Trophy Inter-District Football Championship 2025 would be held from August 1 to 15 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima. Organized by the Nagaland Football Association (NFA) under the aegis of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the tournament will follow a league-cum-knockout format, featuring teams from all 17 districts of the state.
Addressing a press conference, NFA President, K Neibou Sekhose shared the vision behind the championship, emphasizing that the Inter-District Football Championship aims to strengthen the football culture in a state already passionate about the sport.
He highlighted the urgent need for resources, infrastructure, and exposure to foster growth and professionalism in sports.
He said the concept of Inter District Football Championship is to provide a platform where “we nurture talent, promote players, promote the game and work within the state to associate sports especially football as a viable career for the youth in Nagaland.”
He further stressed that the league-cum-knockout model will improve tournament management and football services in the state. “Our aim is to create a high-standard competition that will portray, promote, and produce football, while showcasing the talent and spirit of the Naga people,” he added.
Sekhose said the tournament would also serve as a crucial platform for identifying and grooming football talent at the grassroots level. The larger aim, he said, is to position Nagaland as a strong footballing state in line with the AIFF’s “Vision 2030” target to place India among Asia’s top 12 football nations.
Expressing optimism, Sekhose stated that with the right structure and support, Naga players could one day represent India in the Olympics or play in top international clubs.
He also made it clear that players who refuse to represent their districts in the Inter-District Championship will not be eligible to play for the Nagaland State team or in the Nagaland Super League (NSL). He urged district officials to report such instances to the Nagaland Football Association.
“Our aim is to create football opportunities and also promote unity through football, where all Nagas take part,” he said, adding that strict measures will ensure only committed players represent the state.
The tournament, which began in the 1970s, was renamed in 2004 as the Dr T Ao Trophy in honour of Dr Talimeren Ao, India’s first Olympic football captain and flag bearer at the 1948 London Olympics. The renaming initiative was spearheaded by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who also introduced a cash prize of ₹6 lakh.
Since then, the tournament has been hosted in rotational collaboration with district football associations, the Department of Youth Resources and Sports (DYRS), and District Sports Councils.
Prize Pool and Participation
The 2025 edition will see participation from 17 district teams, with over 340 players and 68 management staff involved. The prize pool includes ₹3 lakh for the champion, ₹2 lakh for the runner-up, and ₹50,000 each for the two losing semi-finalists. Each DFA will receive ₹50,000 as a preparation grant. Additional individual awards, trophies, and certificates will also be presented.
More than 340 players and 68 management staff will be engaged. With long-term vision, the NFA plans to turn this half-month championship into a year-round ecosystem involving training, scouting, marketing, and professional management.
The NFA has also appointed key officials for the tournament. Kevingutuo Sekhose has been named Match Commissioner, Medozevi Punyü as Referee Assessor, and Zakielatuo Seletsu as Competition Physio. An 11-member Technical Committee has been constituted, led by Roko Angami as Convenor and Mughato Aye as Co-Convenor, comprising senior NFA, KDFA, and District Sports Office members.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, Henok Buchem while addressing the media said that this is a premier football tournament in our state. Regarding that arrangement, DC informed that the organizing committee is headed by Chairman DPDB Kevipode Sophie and co Chairman Dr Ato MLA . He also informed that they have roughly around 20 sub committees with members numbering nearly 150 and this organizing committee and sub committees are comprised of DPDB officers and KDFA officials , prominent civil societies.
The DC also added that they are working under the guidance of Nagaland Football Association. He also acknowledged the leadership and guidance of Chief Minister who has been ensuring the successful conduct of this preparation.
The tournament will also integrate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by associating each edition with a social cause. Matches will be broadcast live by Sportscast.
The NFA also reiterated its mission to not only uplift football in Nagaland but also to create a professional sports industry that can contribute meaningfully to youth empowerment, community development, and employment generation.
Fixture for 24th D. T Ao Trophy Inter-District Football Championship 2025
GROUP- A: TUENSANG, MON, SHAMATOR, NIULAND and ZUNHEBOTO
GROUP-B: LONGLENG, CHÜMOUKEDIMA, NOKLAK and DIMAPUR
GROUP- C: MOKOKCHUNG, WOKHA, PHEK and KIPHIRE
GROUP- D: PEREN, KOHIMA, TSEMINYU and MELURI
QUATER FINAL
Winner of A vrs Runner of B -M
Winner of B vrs Runner of A -N
Winner of C vrs Runner of D – O
Winner of D vrs Runner of C -P
SEMI FINAL
Winner of M vrs Winner of O – X
Winner of N vrs Winner of P – Y
FINAL
Winner of – X vrs Winner of – Y
