Senapati: The 5th edition of (Late) Lt Col Robert TA Memorial Open Football Tournament, organized by Assam Rifles in association with Senapati District Olympic Association, Manipur (SDOAM) concluded successfully on Tuesday after an engrossing and entertaining 18-day run that commenced from February 5, 2026.
Brigadier Anshuman Tripathi, Commander 22 Sector Assam Rifles, graced the closing ceremony as the Chief Guest while Chingpai Rangnamai, wife of Late Lt Col Robert TA and the guiding force behind the tournament, graced the occasion, adding a heartfelt and poignant dimension to the event.
In his welcome speech, Post commander of COB, Senapati stated that the Robert Cup Open Football Tournament stands as an annual beacon of remembrance for Lieut Colonel Robert TA, the trailblazing first Army officer from the Maram Naga community commissioned into the Indian Army in 2004.
Organised yearly since its poignant inception post his supreme sacrifice on 14 May, 2020 in North Sikkim, the event immortalised his legacy of devotion, discipline and unity, evolving from a modest inaugural edition in year 2022 into the grand spectacle of the 5th Edition that unites diverse communities in spirited homage.
The 5th edition of the Robert Cup Open Football Tournament has delivered an electrifying spectacle of talent, unity and resilience, paying luminous tribute to the enduring legacy of Late Colonel Robert TA. Organized by 16 Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ 22 Sector Assam Rifles and HQ IGAR (E), in seamless coordination with the Senapati District Olympic Association Manipur (SDOAM), the tournament showcased 19 dynamic teams drawing players from Senapati, Kangpokpi, Imphal, Ukhrul and Chandel districts of Manipur, alongside talents from Nagaland and an international star from Ghana. The teams from different communities that were part of the tournament comprised of 9 Naga teams, 8 Kuki teams and 2 Gorkha teams, thus showcasing spirit of exemplary sportsmanship.
The tournament kicked off on 5th February, and featured 36 thrilling league matches from 5th to 16th February. The quarterfinals and semi-finals unfolded from February 18th to 22nd in intense league-cum-knockout clashes.
The highly anticipated final match between Pou Legend FC and Hills Academy FC delivered an electrifying contest, showcasing exceptional skills and determination from both teams to win the coveted trophy. In a nail-biting encounter, the Hills Academy FC emerged victorious, lifting the Champion’s Trophy with a score of 7-6 in a tie breaker after the match ended in a 2-2 draw.
Robert Cup is stated to be the second biggest tournament of Manipur in terms of prize amount. The Hills Academy FC bagged the prestigious Robert Cup Trophy alongside Rs. 3.5 lakh in cash, with the runner-up securing Rs. 1.5 lakh with trophy. 2 Semi-finalists were awarded Rs. 30,000 each and 4 quarter finalists were awarded with Rs. 15,000 each. Individual category awards include Best Goalkeeper, Best Player and Golden Boot with each player winning 10,000 each with a bicycle. The Assam Rifles, as part of its Civil Action Programme, sponsored the prizes under various categories recognizing both individual and team performances.
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In the individual prizes, Md. Nadiya (from Thoubal district) of the Pou Legend FC was awarded the Golden glove. Currently he plays for KYIC, a team that plays in the Manipur Premier league. He kept 6 clean sheets throughout the course of Robert Cup and conceded 2 goals only.
George (from Kom community) of the Hills Academy FC was awarded the Golden boot. He started playing with notable local clubs of Manipur like Sagolband United, Angtha FC etc. He played for Rebels FC in Bangalore super division, Coramandal FC in i-league 3, National Sporting United club in Delhi Premier League, Kidderpore SC in Kolkata Premier League and currently playing with Chanmari FC for i-league. He scored 13 goals throughout the course of the Robert Cup.
Best player or known as the Golden ball was awarded to P. M. Rakeveiche of the Pou Legend FC. He played for Rajasthan FC under 17, KYIC a club based in Manipur, played for Corbett FC based in Uttarakhand i-league 3, represented Manipur in the National games and Santosh trophy, currently he has signed with FC Raengdie and will be playing i-league 2. He scored 7 goals throughout the course of the Robert Cup.
The tournament stands as a fitting tribute to the memory of Lt Col Robert TA and his enduring passion for football.