Senapati, Mar 3: The 2nd edition of late Lt Col Robert TA Memorial Open Football tournament commenced at Sanyi Dahrii Sports Complex, Khabung Karong, Senapati with 16 teams from all across the state on Friday. The event is organised by Maram Battalion under the aegis of Jwalamukhi Sector Assam Rifles of Inspector General Assam Rifles (East) under Assam Rifles Civic Action Program Project, and in association with the District Sports Association (DSA), Senapati.
A one minute silence was observed in honour of the late army officer before the commencement of the tournament.
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P. Chingpai, wife of (L) Lt Col Robert TA in her speech thanked everyone who contributed and made the tournament a grand success. She also mentioned that her family will ever remain indebted for all the contributions in memory of her late husband who served in the Indian army. Bringing message from her mother-in law, Chingpai conveyed that the “family is very thankful to the Indian army for the initiatives taken up in memory of her lost son. Although the family cannot repay the army in return, the family’s prayer is to let the Almighty bless everyone, everyday and in the days to come.”
Briefing media, Major Abhay Jeet of the 33 Assam Rifles stated that late Lt Col Robert TA was an officer of Indian army who laid down his life for the nation on May 14, 2020 in an avalanche in North Sikkim. The late officer with unflinching bravery led his patrol in which he laid down his life. The previous edition of the football tournament was held in February, 2021 at Maram where 16 different teams participated.
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Major Abhay Jeet further said that the main reason of organising the 2nd edition of late Lt Col Robert TA Memorial Football tournament is to guide and inspire the youth, following the footsteps of the brave soldier, and to become a great officer for the country. He also added that 16 teams are taking part in the ongoing tournament which will end on March 11. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh is expected to come on the final day of the tournament on March 11.
The tournament was declared open by Brigadier Bikram Saini, SM, VSM, DIG, Jwalamukhi Sector Assam Rifles in the presence of Col. Arnab Mitra, Commandant, 33 AR, officers from 22 Sector AR & 33 AR and District Sports Association, Senapati.
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16 teams from all across Manipur are contesting for a cash award of Rs. 2 Lakh for the winner and Rs. 1 Lakh for runner-up team.
The organiser told that All India Football Federation certified referees from the district are officiating the matches where each matches are on direct knock out basis. The first match was played between Zeme Youth & Students Organization and Liangmai BFC, followed by FC Raengdai and Khongdei Circle FC.
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