VMT beat PSC to lift KFA's Football Champion trophy
Source: The Sangai Express
Kangpokpi, November 01 2022:
Vomthang Memorial Team (VMT) of L Lhangnom from Saikul lifted the prestigious champions trophy of the 6th edition of the Kuki Football Academy's Open Night Football Tournament, 2022 which carries a whopping Rs 2.5 lakh cash prize yesterday evening.
VMT defeated Phat Chomkhat Sporting Club of Saparmeina 1-0 in the match played at D Phaihel village amidst a thousand crowd.
Meanwhile, Saikotjang Youth Club clinched the men's volleyball champion trophy and won a cash prize of Rs 30,000 after defeating Galbung.
On the other hand, Teenstar from Saitu area clinched the'women's volleyball title which carries a cash prize of Rs 15,000 after defeating Rangers, Kangpokpi.
The men's volleyball runner-up Galbung and women's volleyball runner-up Rangers Kangpokpi were awarded a trophy each and cash prizes of Rs 20,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively.
The almost 2-month-long KFA's Open Night Tournament's closing ceremony was graced by Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Govindas Konthoujam as chief guest while Textiles Minister Nemcha Kipgen and Wangkhei AC MLA Thangjam Arunkumar attended as guests of honour.
Ex-Councillor of ADC Sadar Hills Lunthang Haokip attended the event as functional president on behalf of the local MLA Haokholet Kipgen in the presence of T Phulen Meitei, Director, Youth Affairs and Sports, Govt of Manipur.
Acknowledging the immense contribution of Kuki Football Academy in the development of the sport, YAS Minister Govindas Konthoujam said that the academy since its inception in 2015 has produced many good footballers who are now playing in different clubs across the State and the country.
The Minister also informed that the Government of India has approved the Youth Affairs and Sports Department to open a district football centre at Kangpokpi under Khello India.
A proper coach for the Kuki Football Academy will also be appointed so that formal training could be imparted soon, he said.
He also said that in line with the vision of Chief Minister N Biren Singh for welfare and development of young talented sportspersons.
Youth Affairs and Sports Department will sanction Rs 5 lakh for procuring lighting system so that the KFA's next edition of the night tournament could be played in a grander way.
The Minister also assured a proper turf ground to the Kuki Football Academy.
Textiles Minister Nemcha Kipgen, MLA Thangjam Arunkumar, Director, YAS, Phulen Meitei also spoke on the occasion.
In the football final match, Seikhohao's 33rd-minute brilliant goal from 24-yard gave his team the winner and also won him the tournament's best striker award.
The runner-up Phat Chomkhat Sporting Club won a trophy and a cash prize of Rs 1.5 lakh.
3rd place HLMT, K Gamnomphai and 4th place Jamsat Songtun Youth Club were awarded a trophy each and cash prize of Rs 50,000 and Rs 30,000 respectively.
Apart from winning the tournament's best striker award, Seikhohao of VMT was also awarded man of the final match.
Seija Kipgen of PSC, Khaiminthang of VMT, Thanglenkai of PSC, Lalkhanlen of JSYC, John of KVMT, and Thanginsang of PSC were awarded best keeper, best defender, best midfielder, top scorer, hat trick, and man of the tournament respectively.
Manipur Gorkha XI fans were awarded fans of the year 2022 while Tongsei Memorial Team, Bungpi Area was awarded best team of the year.
The tournament's media partners Zalaileng from Kangpokpi and E7 Sports were also felicitated.