The tournament is being organised by Thadou Students' Association under the aegis of the District Sports Association (DSA), Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi District in collaboration with United Saparmaina Youth Club (USYC), Saparmaina.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by PS Arora, commandant, 22 Sector, Assam Rifle as chief guest while James Doujapao Haokip, MCS, chief executive officer, Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council, Kangpokpi, and Paominthang Kipgen, vice president, DSA Sadar Hills as guest of honour and functional president respectively.

Dr Nehginpao Memorial Team (Dr NMT) had an easy 3-0 win over Radiant Star Football Club in the inaugural match and opened its winning account in the tournament.

Seiminthang's owned goal in the 15th minute was followed by Robinson's 23rd-minute strike and Minthang's 61st-minute goal.

As many as 29 teams across the state participated in the tournament which carries a champion prize of Rs. 1 lakh, runner up-Rs.50,000/-, third place - Rs. 20,000/- and fourth place - Rs.10,000/- with many individuals prizes for outstanding players during the tournament.

Lamminsei Sitlhou, Secretary of the organizing committee said that Thadou Trophy is an annual state level open football tournament organized in the month of November/December every year since the past three years. 

However, the 4th edition of the tournament which was put on hold last year due to the surge of nCovid-19 in 2021 has been organized this year, he added.

He continued that in line with the FIFA and AMFA convention, the Thadou Trophy strictly follows the rules and regulations framed by the Organizing Committee.

On Wednesday, Dynamo Athletic Club (A)/will play Tahchapa FC in the first match and KAYDU FC will play FC Concord in the second match while Kuki Football Association will play Bongbal XI in the third match and HMLT K. Gamnomphai will take on Leikot Area Youth Organization in the fourth match.