The stage is set for the much-anticipated Dr. T. Ao Trophy 24th Inter-District Football Championship 2025, which will bring together football talent from across Nagaland for a fortnight at the IG Stadium, Kohima.
Convener of the organising committee, MLA and Chairman DPDB Kohima, Kevipodi Sophie, confirmed that all arrangements are on track to make the event a “grand success.”
“We are all working hard and trying our best to make it a grand event” Sophie said, adding that the championship is more than just a sporting event and that it is a celebration of Naga unity.
The tournament, organised by the Nagaland Football Association (NFA), hosted by the Kohima District Football Association (KDFA), supported by the Department of Youth Resources & Sports (DYRS), and Powered by the District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) Kohima, will run from August 1 to August 15.
To mark the opening day, Sophie informed that free bus services will run from High School Junction to the stadium, and entry to the stadium will be free for all spectators on the inaugural day.
The opening ceremony promises to be memorable, with the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, attending as the special guest alongside the family of Lt. Dr. T. Ao, Nagaland’s football legend and the trophy’s namesake. Prominent Naga musician Moko Koza and popular Naga folk music group, Seyie Intrepid, will also perform during the inaugural ceremony.
“This is a very good opportunity for our Nagas to come together as one family. Through this kind of sporting event, our people should be united,” Sophie said.
All 17 districts will be represented at the championship, showcasing the respective district footballing talent and celebrating the diverse tribal culture of the Nagas.
KDFA president Mhasimhalie Mathew Yhome said it is a privilege to host the prestigious championship.
“If we look at 10 years or so back, the tournament has gained much traction and it has become a great platform for young promising players. It is through the district level tournament that players are identified to pursue professional football and vie at different levels,” Yhome said.
He acknowledged the NFA for giving the district the opportunity to host the mega tournament, and the Kohima DPDB Kohima, DYRS for coming forward to organise this event with the association.
On the host team’s preparation for the championship, the KDFA president said, “I am confident with the Kohima team- we have 3-4 players who have played in the Nagaland Super League (NSL); very promising under 20 players; we also have the NSL player of the tournament, Barak FC captain Kevisanyü Peseyie playing for us. The ultimate dream is to see our players play in national arena and beyond”.
Further the KDFA president wished all the district teams the very best for the championship.
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Tickets and passes categorised below can be booked at Ahibi.in:
Matchday Pass can be availed at Rs 99 which is an open gallery access.
Premium Matchday Pass at Rs 199 which provides reserved chair seating with a clear, elevated view.
Matchday Season Pass at Rs 700 providing access to all 28 league matches, with one match free, online exclusive and one pass for every league match.
Premium Season Pass at Rs 1,400 which provides reserved seating for every league match on a one-time booking basis. This category passes are available exclusively online, and seats are limited.
Football lovers who cannot make it to the stadium can catch the action live on SportsCast India.
Day 1 fixture: Kohima Vs Tseminyu
