CHANDEL: To mark the inauguration of its newly renovated football ground, St. Paul’s Parish, Liwachangning, Chandel, under the aegis of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC), organised a three-day parish-level knock-out football tournament beginning on January 15.
The inaugural programme was graced by Dilbung Kowar, President, AMFA, as the Chief Guest; Ts. Chamna Anal, MPS, president, DSA Chandel, as the Guest of Honour; and Cr. Sebastian Rajman, Proprietor, Nicholas Oil Filling, as the functional president.
The opening ceremony featured an exhibition match between DSA Chandel and Diocesan Fraternity Imphal (DFI), adding to the excitement of the event. A total of 14 teams from various churches under St. Paul’s Parish participated in the three-day knock-out tournament.
During the valedictory function, Rev. Fr. Benjamin Kodai, Parish Priest of St. Paul’s Parish, stated that the football ground would be open to all communities to promote youth development through sports. He also expressed the parish’s intention to organise the tournament on a larger scale in the coming years. Fr. Kodai conveyed his gratitude to Lt. Col. Francis Chinir (Retd.), who graced the closing ceremony as Chief Guest and felicitated the players.
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The final match saw an intense contest between St. Thomas Church, Purumtampak, and St. Francis Xavier Church, Saktaikarong, with St. Thomas Church emerging as the champions. Th. Malchong of St. Thomas Church was adjudged Player of the Tournament and Player of the Match, having scored eight goals in four matches, including a hat-trick in the final. The Chief Guest handed over the champion’s trophy and individual awards.
Delivering the vote of thanks, W. Tharsing Moyon, Secretary, PPC, noted that additional sporting events, including volleyball for both men and women, would be considered in future editions of the tournament.