Lt Col Robert memorial football tourney begins
Source: Chronicle News Service
Senapati, February 03 2024:
The 3rd edition of Lt Col Robert TA memorial football tournament organised by Maram Battalion of Jwalamukhi Sector under 1GAR (East), commenced from Saturday at Maram Centre in Senapati district.
Late Robert TA's wife P Chingpai attended the opening ceremony and unveiled the trophies in the presence of IGAR (E), Jwalamukhi Sector Assam Rifles commander, Mao MLA Losii Dikho, former speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly K Raina and Don Bosco College (Maram) principal Fr KO Sebastian.
In his introductory speech, Maj NM Singh said that Assam Rifles not only celebrates the spirit of sportsmanship but also honours a remarkable individual whose life embodies courage, dedication and relentless pursuit for excellence.
He said that Lt Col Robert TA left an indelible mark in people's hearts by virtue of his resilience, tenacity, and never say die spirit.
Lt Col Robert was born on January 24, 1981 at Maram Centre to Thoiba Angelus and K Karaila.
The army officer lost his life in an avalanche in North Sikkim on May 14, 2020, while leading a patrol party.
Robert's early life was a testament to the values of hard work, commitment and service to the community.
At the age of 23, Robert embarked on a remarkable journey by joining the Indian Army in 2004 through the Technical Entry Scheme (TES) examination and became the first individual from the Maram tribe to rise to the rank of an officer in the Indian Army.
Commissioned into the Corps of Engineers, Lt Col Robert exhibited exceptional leadership and commitment to his duties.
His prowess was not limited to the military domain as he distinguished himself as versatile and dynamic person.
He was a sportsman of unparalleled calibre and participated with remarkable ease in various adventure activities, Maj NM Singh recounted, while adding that football captured Robert's heart and he was affectionately dubbed as 'Ronaldo' during his training days.
In his speech at the event, MLA Losii Dikho said that the tournament will benefit football lovers especially in Senapati district.
With players from Northeast especially from Manipur and Nagaland, the event would witness participation of more teams, he said and expressed gratitude to the Army for organising such a mega event in the district.
Altogether 32 teams are participating the tournament the final of which will be held on February 17 with the Manipur Governor likely to the summit clash.
Later, an exhibition match was played between AR team versus SDOAM team.