Champions of the inaugural Nagaland Premier League (NPL) Barak Flamingoz FC would receive NPL trophy on July 25 (Wednesday) at a closing ceremony schedule to be held at local ground, Kohima.

The trophy would be given away by president of Nagaland Football Association, Atuo Mezhur.
This was disclosed by 442 Management –the organizer of the State first football league, while unveiling the trophy to media persons at Dimapur, Monday.

Barak Flamingoz finished on top of the table at 44 points followed by Naga Tornados on 42 points, Dimpaur United on 40 points and Life Sports on 34 points.

By winning the NPL, Barak Flamingoz has been promoted to I-league 2nd division. The winner would receive the trophy and a cash of rupees five lakh, while the second, third and fourth places finisher would receive rupees three, two and one lakh respectively at the closing ceremony schedule to begin from 4 pm.

Cash awards to highest scorer of the league, best player, best goalkeeper, best discipline team, most promising player and fair play award would also be awarded.

10 teams took part in the inaugural first edition of the NPL. Interacting with media persons after unveiling the trophy, the organizer said that it wanted to start the second season early, i.e between March and April, 2013 followed by season three between September and October.

Though the dates have not been finalized, the management said arrangement has been planned in order to catch up with the AIFF’s domestic calendar.

When asked on the team’s relegation, 442 Management said this being the first season, the low ranked teams will not face the hammer.

Besides the ten teams, the management is also planning to include two more teams in the second season.

“We’re trying to encourage participation from the non-participating districts. It does not mean however the two new teams will necessarily have to be from the non-participating districts,” 442 Management added.