Ukhrul: The Somsai Battalion under the aegis of 10 Sector Assam Rifles is all set to honour and commemorate the 111th birth anniversary of the legend Late Major Bob Khathing Ralengnao at Ukhrul headquarters.
Major Bob Khathing is the man who brought Tawang under Indian Administration without shedding a drop of blood. He started his career by joining the British Army and participated in World War II, first as the Commissioner of the 19th Hyderabad Regiment (later day, 7 Kumaon Regiment) and then as the Local Captain of the V Force operations in Manipur. He was elected for the first Manipur assembly in 1948 representing Sadar constituency and served as the Minister for Hills Administration and Manipur Rifles till the assembly was dissolved in 1949, upon assimilation into Indian Union.
He was an awardee of Padma Shri, Member of the Order of the British Empire Military Cross and C-in-C Gallantry Certificate. Ralengnao Khathing left for the heavenly abode on January 12, 1990.
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In honour of Major Bob Khathing Ralengnao, the Assam Rifles has been celebrating his birth anniversary every year. This year, the celebration will kick-start on February 20 and will culminate with the unveiling of Major Bob Khathing statue on February 28 in Ukhrul.
As part of the curtain raiser to the celebrations, Somsai Battalion will be organising the Major Bob Khathing Sports Tournament from February 20-28 in coordination with Ukhrul District Sports Association (UDSA).
The events will kick off with a grand opening ceremony on February 20 along with a football match of the defending champions at Ukhrul District headquarters ground.
The celebration will mark the staging of 3rd edition of Baby league football tournament (under 12 years), 8th edition of Women’s volleyball tournament and 9th edition of Men’s football tournament. Baby league football and women’s volleyball tournaments will be organised at Thahao, Wino Bazaar and men’s football tournament will be organised at district ground.
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The winning teams will be awarded a cash prize of Rs 75,000, Rs 30,000 and Rs 10,000 for Men’s football, Women’s Volleyball and Baby league respectively.
Nominated teams for the tournament can collect the registration form at 35 Assam Rifles Post at Thahao, Wino Bazaar, Ukhrul.
The registration fee will be Rs 3000 & Rs 1000 for the Men’s football & Women’s volleyball respectively. Baby league football registration will be free of cost.
(Assam Rifles Ukhrul)
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