Senapati: Preparations for the coming 3rd edition of Lieut Col (Late) Robert TA Memorial Open Football Tournament, 2024 is on war footing at Senapati.
The event is organized by the Maram Battalion of Assam Rifles/Jwalamukhi sector/IGAR (East) in association with the Senapati District Olympic Association, Manipur (SDOAM), and is scheduled to take place from February 3 to February 17, 2024. The tournament is dedicated to the memory of Lt Col (L) Robert TA, who sacrificed his life in the line of duty on May 14, 2020, in an avalanche in North Sikkim while leading his patrol.
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To kickstart the tournament, Assam Rifles organised a spirited bike rally from Mao Gate to Kangpokpi, drawing participation from 114 bikers of Royal Brothers Motorcycle Club, Senapati and others.
The rally which is a prelude to the 3rd edition of the Lieut Col (Late) Robert TA Memorial Open Football Tournament showcased a remarkable display of solidarity and camaraderie amongst the participants. The bikers, representing the strength and unity of Assam Rifles conveyed a powerful message of remembrance and respect for the fallen hero. The bike rally was flagged off by Col. Aditya Deo, Commandant, 16 Assam Rifles, Maram Battalion.
The champion FC team will receive a cash prize of Rs. 3 lakhs, and the runners-up will be awarded Rs. 1.5 lakhs, along with individual prizes and consolation prizes for all participating teams. Army sources mentioned that all semi-finalist teams will receive a cash prize of Rs. 40,000/- each, quarter-finalists Rs. 20,000/- each, and all participating teams Rs. 10,000/- each, according to information received from the army.
The inaugural session is scheduled to be held at Astro Turf Ground, Senapati, and will be inaugurated by P. Chingpai, the wife of Lt Col (L) Robert TA, as the chief guest. The match will be kicked off by the I.G., IGAR (E), Maj. Gen. VK Nambiar on February 3.
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According to an official source from the army, league round matches will be played at seven different playgrounds, including T/Khullen, Senapati, Karong, Asufii Football Academy, Mao, Oklong, Maram, and Sadim villages. The purpose of organizing matches at various playgrounds in and around the district headquarters is to foster coordination between the public and the force.
League rounds are scheduled to continue until February 10, with quarter-finals featuring pool champions from eight pools among the participating FCs on February 12-13, semi-finals on February 15, and the final on February 17.
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The inaugural day will feature a cultural program with a pipe band display, musical performances from different artists like Alamley and Namrata Rai, and jazz band shows from the 16 Assam Rifles. The day will also witness an exhibition match between the 16 AR and SDOAM.
The Assam Rifles are pleased to announce that the Governor of Manipur is expected to grace the valedictory function on February 17, symbolizing the significant support the tournament has garnered from dignitaries and authorities.
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