3rd FUTGAL kicks off at Saikul Hill Town
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, January 24 2022: The 3rd edition of FUTGAL-Girls Football Tournament jointly organised by InSIDE-North East and KSO Saikul kicked off today with the theme "Empowering women and girls through sport" at Saikul block playground.

The opening ceremony of the girls football tournament was graced by Kamcha Chongloi, president Saikul United Veteran (SUV) as chief Guest in the presence of Seiminthang Tuboi, Principal Thangtong Hr Sec School and Neinu Lupheng, president Kuki Women Union (Saikul) as guest of honour and functional president respectively.

3rd FUTGAL kicks off at Saikul Hill Town

Leaders of various civil bodies such as Kuki Inpi Saikul Gamkai, All Saikul Football Association, etc.

attended the inaugural function of the tournament.

The tournament was opened with a dedicatory prayer by Pastor Lenpu Touthang, CBCA, Sh Avenue.

Speaking at the occasion, Kamcha Chongloi appreciated the organizing committee and exhorted girls to see football as a career and play with discipline and team spirit.

Meanwhile, Neinu Lupheng said girls are not commodities to be used but human to be built and developed.

Saying that it is high time for women to rise for their rights and empowerment, Neinu also called upon girls to join in skill development training programmes run by InSIDE-North East to be self-reliable and dependent.

Hejang Misao, Director InSIDE-North East in the meantime said that he sees a better future for women and girls with the changing trend across the globe.

"If women in the other part of the world can man space, scale the highest peak and lead in politics, why can't our women and girls," he asked while advocating to ensure them equal opportunity rather than making them busy doing household chores only.

"Create space or platform for their growth and development.

Only then will they be able to prove to the world that they are equally capable," asserted Hejang Misao who also urged the people of Saikul to encourage girls instead of looking down as inferior beings.

He further exhorted all the teams participating in the tournament to play for fun and for a better future.

15 teams will vie for the top honour of the tournament which carries a cash prize of Rs 50,000 for the winners and Rs 30,000 for the runners up along with trophies.