CHURACHANDPUR: The 78th Zomi Nam Ni Football Tournament 2026 edition was inaugurated on Thursday with the inaugural match played between Symropia Football Club (SFC) and Pa Pa Football Club (PPFC) at Phungkhothang Guite Moltual of the Lamka Football Ground in Churachandpur district, Manipur.
Prior to the kick-off of the inaugural football match, a formal function was held which was graced by Thanlon AC MLA Vungzagin Valte as Chief Guest, Churachandpur AC MLA LM Khaute MLA as Guest of Honour, Chief of Hiangtam Lamka Thangkhosuanmung Guite as functional president and Chairman of Zomi Council Vumsuan Naulak as the chief host.
In his first public appearance since the outbreak of the ethnic violence in the state, the Chief Guest in a viable slur voice, said that he was happy to be a part of the tournament which highlighted the 78th Zomi Nam Ni celebration that falls on February 20. He said the Zomi national symbol of two Hornbill birds, side-by-side is a testament of commitment, brotherhood and love that should be imitated by all. He expressed his hope that peace and brotherhood prevail through the tournament and wished the organiser a grand success in their endeavours.
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The inaugural match of the 78th Zomi Nam Ni Football Tournament 2026 edition, which will offer a record Rs 3.5 lakh, started around 2 pm where the opposing players well defended and counter attacked in the beginning but the deadlock opened in favor of SFC after its striker Paukhongam Haokip netted the ball in the 26th minute in the fish half of the game which was doubled in the 56th minute by his teammates William Neihsian with the scoreboard showing 2-0 in favour of SFC after the regulation time.
Vice Chairman of the 78th Zomi Nam Ni Football Tournament Celebration committee Dong Hangzo said that this was their 6th edition of Zomi Nam Ni football tournament in preparation for the Zomi Nam Ni celebration where 25 selected teams and players from different districts participated in which they earmarked Rs 3.5 lakh for the prize money. Winner will get Rs 2 lakh, a trophy and a citation, the runner-up will be richer with Rs 1 lakh while the two losing finalists will be compensated with Rs 10,000 each each and the rest will be utilised for Best player, best goalkeeper, top scooter, fair play award, among others. He also said that the event was managed by the Lamka Events Management group stating that the grand finale will be held on February 18.
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