United Veterans Kolkata cruise to 21st Challenge Cup title
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 31 2019:
United Veterans Kolkata defeated Cyclone-A, Thangmeiband 9-8 on penalties after a goalless draw during regulation time of the final match to win the title of the 21st Challenge Cup Veteran Football Tournament at Mapal Kangjeibung today.
Both United Veterans Kolkata and Cyclone A had enough scoring chances throughout the game but lack in composure and finishing touch rendered the game end in a goalless draw.
Ultimately the match was decided via penalty shootout wherein the Kolkata side emerged the luckier side.
Devkuhar Sasmal, Subasis Bishwas, Swapan Das, Ranajit Basu, Alok Dey, Sanjay Das, Tapas Rawat, Subrata Dey and Pradip Dutta all scored for United Veterans in the shoot-out while only K Khelendra, M Bimolchandra, L Rolendro, Kh Bonomali, Shyamsunder, N Imocha, S Somorendro and S Lokeshore foundd the net for Cyclone-A.The final match of the tournament organised by Manipur Veteran Football Association and sponsored by Salai Holdings Private Limited was graced by L Jayantakumar, Minister Law and Legislative Affairs; O Rajbihari Singh, president, Manipur Veteran Football Association, Ng Tomba Singh, Retd SP, Nagaland Police; K Gopeshor Singh, former International footballer and K Radhakumar Singh, IAS (retd) as digniataries who also feted the champions, runners up and individual prize winners.
Champions, United Veterans were felicitated with a trophy and a cash prize of Rs 1,00,000 while runners up Cyclone-A received a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and a trophy.
Third place KVFC were also feted with Rs 20,000 while winners of Fair Play team title, VSO got Rs 5,000 .
United Veteran's goalkeeper, Goutam Roy and Devkuhar Sasmal were named best player of the final match and most valuable player of the final match and feted with Rs 3,000 each.
K Khelendro of Cyclone-A; Sh Anandkumar of KVFC; L Rolendro of Cyclone-A, Bimolchand of Cyclone-A, Dominic of NCVFC respectively emerged player of the tournament, top scorer (7 goals), best striker, best midfielder and best defender and were also feted with Rs 3,000 each.
Best Goalkeeper of the tournament, S Lokeshor of Cyclone-A; first goal scorer, Kh Ruman of TBSFA; best team coach, Goutam Roy; fastest scorer, Khupneingam of FVWA and L Rolendro of Cyclone-A and team IEVSA were also feted with Rs 3,000 each.