Ukhrul: The 4th Winter Open Basketball Tournament 2021, organized by Wilders Club, commenced on Thursday at Sacred Heart Higher Sec. School, Hungpung, Ukhrul District.
Rev Fr Mayopam Gabrieal, SHC Parish Priest, CM Paul, Retd Deputy Director Sericulture, Ukhrul District Badminton Association (UDBA), Ukhrul District Volleyball Association (UDVA), All Tangkhul Football Players Association were present in the program. Six teams from Ukhrul District, three from Imphal and one team from Churachandpur are participating in the three-day tournament.
In the opening ceremony, Dr Kasomhung Soreingam conveyed a message on behalf of his wife Dr Kasomhung Lumthing, Senior Consultant Gynecologist CMH Hospital. “Dr Lumthing wants to congratulate the Wilders club in particular and all the players for making it possible to organize this 4th Winter Open Basketball Tournament. Once you participate in sports, you build better confidence, self esteem and it goes a long way in maintaining fitness well being and happiness. Sports, particularly teamwork helps us to maintain a purpose and a meaningful and a special relationship. Whether we lose or we win is not important but the joy of participation in organizing such a sport event is highly cherished trophy,” he said.
Dr K Soreingam congratulated the Wilders club. He said, “They have chosen a sport that is rarely known in our place.” He showed his appreciation for nurturing this beautiful sport. He also mentioned that sports-persons or people who are fit, hardly suffer from severe COVID cases as per his observation from 2 years experience with the pandemic.
There were three matches played between Vikings and ACES, Ihao Warriors and Model Club, Lamka Hoopers and Hotshot. ACES, a team from Imphal scored 35 points beating Vikings, Ukhrul District who scored 25 points in the first match. Model club, 2018’s champion scored 33 points losing to Ihoa Warriors who scored 43 in the 2nd match. Lamka Hoopers, Churachanpur District scored 50 points beating Hotshot, Ukhrul District who scored 26.
The tournament will continue till December 18.