MAO: Mao Students’ Union (MSU) Martyrs’ Trophy 2026 was inaugurated on Monday at the Asufii Football Academy, Turf Ground, Asufii, Punanamei, with a call to remember the sacrifices of martyrs and promote unity, discipline and youth development through sports.
The football tournament, being held from September 21 to October 3, is being organised under the theme “Honouring our Martyrs, Building our Future.”
The tournament commemorates two significant incidents associated with Mao Gate — the 1948 No-Tax campaign and the May 6, 2010 Mao Gate incident, in which two college students, Neli Chakho and Daikho Loshuo, were killed during protests over the proposed visit of NSCN (IM) leader Thuingaleng Muivah to his native village Somdal.
Speaking as the chief guest, Lt Gen (Retd.) VS Atem, Deputy Ato Kilonser of NSCN/GPRN, said the sacrifices of those remembered through the tournament should continue to inspire younger generations.
“We must honour our martyrs because of whom we are today at the crossroads of defining our future. It is their supreme sacrifices that paved the present and the way forward. Our future is deeply and truly built on their ultimate martyrdom,” Atem said.
Referring to the 1948 No-Tax campaign and the 2010 Mao Gate incident, Atem paid tribute to those who lost their lives and said the sacrifices of people from the Mao and wider Shepou-Maram-Thangal region remained an important part of Naga history.
He also called on the younger generation to remain aware of their history, identity and the political developments concerning the Nagas.
On the role of sports, Atem said sporting activities could serve as a means of bringing people together across differences.
“Sports unite people across different backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs by using a shared passion to break down barriers and build mutual respect,” he said.
He urged the Mao Students’ Union to expand the tournament in the future by involving participants from across the Naga community, saying such initiatives could help bring people closer emotionally, culturally and politically.
Atem also emphasised discipline, teamwork, resilience and sportsmanship among young people, urging participating teams to respect the rules and compete in the spirit of sportsmanship.
The MSU said the tournament is intended not only as a football competition but also as a platform to preserve the memory of martyrs while promoting youth development, unity, leadership, discipline and mutual respect.
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The chief guest at the inaugural programme was Lt Gen (Retd.) VS Atem, Deputy Ato Kilonser, NSCN/GPRN. Also present were Longvibu Lt Gen Honraishing Shadang, Longvibu, NSCN/GPRN; Mozamo Ngullie, Convenor, Steering Committee; Kraibo Chawang, Convenor, Political Affairs Committee (PAC), NSCN/GPRN; Freeson Dovei, CAO, Shepoumaramth Region; and Huthrong Brigade Railung, Brigade Commander.
Representatives of various Naga organisations also attended the programme, including UNC President and team, ANSAM President and team, Naga Women’s Union (NWU) and team, SDWA President and team, SDSA President and team, NPHMR Convenor (South), MKS President (Maram), TAJ President (Thangal), and the Mao Chief Association.
Collective leaders from Mao, including Rev. Puni, Losii and Pfokrehrii, were also present.
During the programme, the gathering also observed a moment of silence in tribute to the martyrs and those who lost their lives in the incidents commemorated by the tournament.
The tournament will continue at the AFA Turf Ground, Asufii, Punanamei, until October 3.
