KC Khanglai lifts Royal Cup 2013, repeats Manipur XI's after 15 years
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, November 12 2013:
Repeating the feat of Manipur XI in 1998, Football Club, Khanglai, which is more popularly known as FC Khanglai, lifted the coveted trophy of 22nd Royal Cup, 2013 after humbling Kohima KOMETS by 4-3 goals in the final match played at Kohima's local ground yesterday.
Along with bringing the Royal Gold Cup to Manipur after a period 15 years, the winning team from Manipur's Sadar Hills, also walked away richer with a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh.
Organised by Royal Club, Kohima, the Royal Cup is an all India tournament recognised by All India Football Federation (AIFF).
FC Khanglai represented Manipur in the tournament with the official permission of All Manipur Football Association (AMFA) .
FC Khanglai entered the final to meet Kohima KOMETS after defeating the defending champion TT Aizawl of Mizoram in the semi-final match by 2-0 on November 9 .
In the final match, FC Khanglai took on Kohima KOMETS with 1-1 draw till extra time.
The winner had to be decided by tie-break in which the official team from Manipur won the final match by 4-3 goals.
Two goals were saved by FC Khanglai's goalkeeper Laltinmang Misao, which also fetched him the Best Goalkeeper award of the tournament.
Kamlun Lupheng, the Coach of the winning team, was also honoured with the award of Best Coach of the tournament.
It may be noted here that FC Khanglai was founded by Kuki Inpi and KSO Saikul with the main objective of grooming budding footballers amongst Kuki-Chin-Mizo youths and to give them necessary exposure to pursue football as a career.
The term FC Khanglai is derived from the Kuki dialect "Khanglai" which stands for Youth and FC which means Football Club.
Prior to this achievement, the FC Khanglai had earned many championship titles at various tournaments in 2012 as well as in the current year 2013 .
The team was declared champions at Friendship Club organized by Red Shield 57 Mountain Division, Sadar Hills District League organized by DSA Sadar Hills, Major Bob Khating Memorial Trophy organized by Assam Rifles at Somsai, Ukhrul in 2012.In, 2013, the team was declared champion of (L) Sanyi Dahrii Final Memorial Trophy, Senapati, (L) K.Hangshing Memorial Sadar Hills Super Hills Super Division League and runners-up (L) Lentinel Memorial Trophy Sadar Hills.
The club is also set to play the home and away final matches of the ongoing 18th M.Chittamani Singh Memorial Winners Cup, 2013 on November 15 and 17 .
The winning team members and officials of KC Khanglai were well-received during a reception function at the club's office for bringing back victory and laurels to the state.