Prizes of 4th FIFA World Cup Contest presented
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 07 2023: Prizes of the 4th FIFA World Cup Contest organised by The People's Chronicle and Poknapham were presented to the winners in a function held at Hotel Imolesh, Old Lambulane, here, on Friday.

Lucky draw for contestants who gave correct answers to different questions asked relating to the FIFA World Cup held in Qatar from November 20 to December 18 was held on December 30, 2022 at IMA hall, Lamphelpat.

Altogether 43 winners in different categories were selected for giving correct answers to the eight questions asked in the contest.

The questions included which country will be the winners, runners-up, third place, fourth place; who will win Golden Ball, Golden Boot, Yashin award and get FIFA Fair Play trophy.

Prizes of 4th FIFA World Cup Contest presented

Around 2.5 lakh contestants submitted cuttings of both The People's Chronicle and the Poknapham till the stipulated time of the contest and the lucky draw was held for contestants who gave correct answers only in a transparent manner.

The prize distribution ceremony was attended by Thangjam Agro Industries Private Limited managing chairman Thangjam Joykumar as chief guest and Poknapham editor A Robindro Sharma as president while Eastern Motors CEO Sinam Pritam and The People's Chronicle editor Sagolsem Imo were guests of honour.

In his speech at the event, Thangjam Joykumar said that Manipur produces many football players just as Brazil do in international level but the state is still unable to form a club of repute at the national as it is not easy to sponsor a club.

He said that many good football players of Manipur have moved to big clubs as the state lacks financial prowess to fund the local clubs.

In his presidential speech, Poknapham editor A Robindro Sharma recalled how Poknapham daily encouraged medal winners of the Asian Games-1980 under the initiative of late editor Shamurailatpam Gopal Sharma with contributions from well-wishers and public.

He said that Gopal Sharma passed away in 2010 and FIFA World Cup Contest of the daily also began from the same year with the help and support from well-wishers and public.

He also reminded the gathering that Poknapham daily has been giving more space and importance to sports and literature.

Eastern Motors CEO Sinam Pritam, in his speech, said that Manipur has scores of talented players and many of them have got jobs outside the state after excelling in their chosen games.

He encouraged Poknapham and The People's Chronicle to continue giving more emphasis on sports and related fields.

At the event, The People's Chronicle editor Sagolsem Imo said that he is pleased to witness participation of many young children in the 4th FIFA World Cup Contest of The People's Chronicle and Poknapham though it was purely on luck that the winners were selected.

He also expressed regret over vanishing playgrounds in Imphal area and expressed apprehension that football may lose its popularity in near future if this trend continues.