Ukhrul: Hunphun Phungcham Football Association (HPFA), winner of last year’s edition has successfully retained the coveted title of the Maj Bob Khathing Ralengnao Football Tournament 2024 in a nail-biting match.
HPFA scripted history by defeating Haokok FC in a penalty shootout by a score margin of 2-1 after the match ended in a 1-1 draw during full-time play.
The Assam Rifles has initiated this tournament and other engagements in memory of Late Maj Bob Khathing Ralengnao after his birth centenary celebration in 2012. The 112th birth anniversary celebrations of Maj Bob Khathing Ralengnao Tournament 2024 that kicked off on February 17, 2024 culminated on Monday at Ukhrul Headquarters.
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John SR Khathing (Retd. IRS), son of Maj Bob Khathing Ralengnao, along with Brigadier Sandeep Singh, SM, Commander 10 Sector AR, Somsai, Colonel Manoj Shinde, Commandant of 35 AR, Somsai, ranks, and files of Assam Rifles, paid a rich tribute to Maj Bob Khathing Ralengnao by offering wreaths at his statue erected at Awontang, Ukhrul.
Attending the closing ceremony as Chief Guest, John SR Khathing stated that “Assam Rifles have been conducting this tournament in a very magnificent way to honor a Tangkhul, a son of the soil for his role in various activities and also taking into account his civil service records. This is something our family is very appreciative of, and we are thankful to them.
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“Given the present situation in Manipur, getting representation from different places for Men’s Football, Baby League, Women’s Volleyball, it is really a wonderful thing that this has happened. I wish that in the years to come, the number of teams will increase, and there is every hope that it will increase because the popularity of the tournament has also increased, and it is no longer confined to Ukhrul and Kamjong districts but other districts of Manipur. And I am sure the representations from other districts and teams will also come up. And in the coming days, the tournament could be held at the National level too. I am sanguine about that. I am positive that this will happen because the enthusiasm of the people of Ukhrul has been so supportive that it is so encouraging for sports people as a whole,” he said.
“My late father was a keen sportsman, and football was his favorite. In fact, he had played football for Ukhrul Town when he was doing his matriculation at Johnstone High School in Imphal. Our family is very appreciative of the Assam Rifles for organizing this kind of tournament without knowing about his interest in sports.”
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“In the days to come, with the talent we have, the Tangkhuls have the capacity to participate in various tournaments and games not just within the state but at the National level, and one day, there will be players taking part in international games. We already have players at the National level and international level, and we can do that again. For those players participating in this type of games and who have the aim to play at bigger platforms, I wish them the very best. I wish all the players of the tournament congratulations to you for the manner you play the game.”
Brigadier Sandeep Singh, in his closing address, stated that “it is a matter of indeed pride for me to be standing here again at the culmination point of Maj Bob Khathing Tournament 2024. During the past 10 days, 19 teams have participated in the event. We have witnessed the enthusiasm and the spirits of the team soaring higher day by day. The men’s football final match which we have witnessed today had a nail-biting finish. Both the teams have displayed good football. I extend sincere gratitude to the District Administration, UDSA, colleagues and officials of Assam Rifles, and the participants for their contribution in making this celebration a success.”
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In the 10th edition of Maj Bob Khathing Football Tournament 2024, the winner walked away with a cash prize of Rs. 1 Lakh and a trophy, and the Runner-Up with a cash prize of Rs. 75,000 and a trophy. The two losing semifinalists were given a cash prize of Rs.10,000 each. In the individual category, Bless Vashum (Jersey No. 12) of HPFA was declared the emerging player of the tournament. The best goalkeeper award goes to Tara Gachuiwo of HPFA, the best defender award goes to Wungramchan PS (Jersey No.36) of Haokok FC, the highest scorer award was given to Thotkadhar Zimik (Jersey No. 10) of HPFA, and the Man of the Tournament was awarded to Ngaraipam Kasomhung (Jersey No. 22) of Haokok FC.
In the 9th edition of Women’s Volleyball, Eagles Volleyball Club defeated SML Saka Volleyball Club to lift the coveted trophy. And in the 4th edition of Baby League, Haokok United Football Academy defeated Ukhrul Basic Soccer Foundation (A) to lift the coveted title.
The closing ceremony was also attended by Madam Soso Shaiza, Advisor to NCW, Thingreiphy Lungharwoshi, President of Tangkhul Shanao Long, and other dignitaries. Vice president of UDSA, Lucky Sareo delivered the vote of thanks.
Around 5000 football lovers from different corners of the district came and witnessed the final match played today. Organized by the 10 Sector Assam Rifles, Somsai under the aegis of IGAR(S), in collaboration with Ukhrul District Sports Association (UDSA), Maj Bob Khathing Ralengano Tournament is becoming one of the most popular sports events in Ukhrul Headquarters.
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