20th Challenge Cup Veteran Football Tournament 2018 kick-starts at Mapal
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 29 2018:
The 20th edition of Challenge Cup Veteran Football Tournament 2018 organised by Manipur Veteran Football Association kicked off today at Mapal Kangjeibung in the presence of Minister Youth Affairs and Sports, Letpao Haokip; Health Minister L Jayantakumar; Education Minister Th Radheshyam; Deputy Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly, K Robindro, L Rameshwar Meitei, MLA Keirao AC; H Dingo, MLA Sekmai AC; Th Satyabrata, MLA Yaiskul AC and N Indrajit, MLA Kshetrigao AC as dignitaries.
The matches of the tournament, sponsored by Chongtham (O) RK Tamphasana from Soibam Leikai in memory of her Late husband Chongtham Tamphajao Singh will be held at two venues, Mapal Kangjeibung (Imphal Pologround) and Lilong Chajing Kangjeibung and a total of 16 teams including one team from outside the State (from quarter final stage) will be competing for top honours in it.
The opening match (Group C league match) of the tournament played between VFC, Chajing and FBWA, Mapal Kangjeibung ended in a 1-1 draw.
Though FBWA dominated the earlier proceedings, VFC were able to opened up in the 18th minute off a counter attacked to take the 1-0 first half lead.
FBWA entered the field with more determination in the second half and it was in the 50th minute that Kh Sobha restored parity with a clinical shot.
The latter part of the game saw, both teams desperately trying to get the winner but failed to finish with one point each.
Tomorrow's match have been shifted to artificial turf ground at Khuman Lampak due to prevailing climatic condition.
Chajing FC will face IEVSA, Khongman tomorrow at 2.30 pm in a group A league match while SHDVFA, Kangpokpi will take on Eleven Star Akampat in another Group A league match at 3.45 pm.