DGARU-19 Hockey Tournament begins
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 07 2024:
The DGAR U-19 Hockey Tournament kickstarted at the Khuman Lampak Astro Turf in Imphal today.
The event is being organised by Assam Rifles in coordination with the Manipur Hockey, as part of their Civic Action Program (CAP).
As many as Six men's teams and five women's teams are participating in the tournament that will conclude on December 15.The Hockey Tournament was conceptualized during visit of Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) to Imphal in August this year, said PRO IGAR (S) in a press release.
Few office bearers of Manipur Hockey Association had proposed the conduct of a tournament to the COAS for encouraging Hockey in Manipur, which had suffered setbacks due to prolonged ethnic violence.
Accordingly, the conduct of the U-19 Hockey Tournament was included as part of AR CAP, it said.
The tournament provides an apt platform for budding players to showcase their talent and further refine their skills, it said.
Maj Gen Ravroop Singh, graced inaugural function as chief guest in the presence of president, Manipur Hockey and Director of Dept of Youth Affairs and Sports, it said.
Speaking at the event, the chief guest emphasized the need for young players to put in their best and strive to improve their talent.
He highlighted the rich sporting heritage of Manipur and exhorted upon the youth to take this legacy forward, it said.
To appreciate the contributions of Manipur towards Indian Hockey, accomplished players were felicitated during the function, it said.
The conduct of the tournament is a testimony of Assam Rifle's commitment towards peace in the State by promotion of sports and fruitful engagement of the youth, it continued.