DGAR U-19 tourney: Hockey Union, YCCIC emerge champions
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 15 2024: Hockey Union (Lairikyengbam) and YCCIC (Ahallup) emerged champions in the 1st DGAR U-19 Men's & Women's Hockey Tournament 2024, which wrapped up on Sunday at Khuman Lampak Hockey Stadium.

Hockey Union pulled off a 3-1 victory over KHSC (Khongman) in the men's final.

The match showcased impressive performances from both sides but ultimately saw Hockey Union dominate.

The team opened the scoring in the first quarter when T Ricky successfully converted a penalty corner in the 7th minute.

KHSC managed to equalise in the third quarter through Lisham Max, who found the net in the 32nd minute.

However, Hockey Union swiftly regained their lead with another goal from T Ricky in the 35th minute, again capitalising on a penalty corner.

W Visal netted their third goal in the 38th minute, ensuring a comfortable title triumph for Hockey Union.

In the women's final, YCCIC emerged as champions, defeating MEIRAA to secure the title.

T Ricky was named the best player in the men's category for his standout performance, while M Priya of YCCIC received the best player accolade in the women's category.

The tournament's closing ceremony featured prominent attendees, including T Satyabrata Singh, speaker Manipur Legislative Assembly, as the special guest, and Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, DGAR, as the chief guest.

Other distinguished guests included Khoirom Loya, president Manipur Hockey; Maj Gen Rav-roop Singh, IGAR (South); Basudev Singh, advisor Manipur Hockey; L Ibomcha Singh, a Dronacharya award-winning boxing coach; and Brig A Boral, commander 9 Sector AR.

During the event, accomplished Manipuri sportspersons were honoured, including L Ibomcha Singh, former boxer and coach; L Chaoba Devi, former Indian women's football player and coach; Chinglensana Singh, an Indian hockey player with achievements in the Asian and Commonwealth Games; and Th Kingson Singh and T Priyobarta Singh, members of India's junior men's hockey team that recently secured gold at the Junior Asia Cup.

The winning teams were awarded Rs 60,000 and a trophy each, while the runners-up received Rs 40,000 and a trophy each, marking the successful conclusion of the tournament.

Comment