The tourney, which began on September 14, witnessed 43 teams including powerful teams from neighbouring Manipur.
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
The much-awaited finals of the coveted 24th NSF Martyr’s Memorial Trophy 2024 on Saturday saw two giant teams of the trophy Sechü Zubza FC and Asufii Football Academy, Manipur, locking horns with the former emerging as the new champion of this year’s edition which was played at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.
The tourney, which began on September 14, witnessed 43 teams including powerful teams from neighbouring Manipur.
The champion, Sechii Zubza FC, pocketed Rs 3 lakhs along with the champion trophy and a citation, while the runner-up, Asiifu Football Academy, Manipur, received Rs 1.8 lakhs.
The losing semi-finalists, Asufii Christian Institute, and Circle FC, Chedema, were awarded Rs 40,000 each, while the losing quarter-finalists—Michazou FC, Red Scars FC, Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), and Football 4 Change Academy (F4C Academy) received Rs 25,000 each.
The individual winners were awarded Rs 10,000 each.
The best custodian went to Thomas Sagolasem (Asufii Christian Institute), while the best defender was awarded to Walkhom Arunkumar (Asufii Football Academy).
The best midfielder award was claimed by Mathanmi Ninshen (Asufii Football Academy), the top scorers included P Sorormi Thinsang from A Asufii Football Academy, Thoungoumang Touthang from Delai FC, and VS Thotkadhar Zimik from Circle FC Chedema, all tied with six goals each.
The player of the tournament was bagged by Atlanson Kharmaw (Sechü Zubza FC), who received Rs 50,000 for his outstanding contributions.
Meanwhile, attending the final match of the 24th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy 2024, Minister for power, and parliamentary affairs KG Kenye, while speaking recalled the tragic event of March 20, 1986, when Late Vikhozo Yhoshii, and Late Kekuojalie Sachii, lost their lives during a peaceful protest organised by the Naga Students Federation (NSF) against the extension of the disturbed area belt along the Indo-Myanmar border and the induction of IPS cadre into the Nagaland Police.
He emphasized the importance of continuing the tournament in their memory as a symbol of unity for the Naga people.