VMT beat PSC to lift KFA's night football trophy
SYC, Teenstar clinch Volleyball Titles
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 01 2022: KANGPOKPI: Vomthang Memorial Team (VMT) of L Lhangnom from Saikul lifted the prestigious champion trophy of the sixth edition of the Kuki Football Academy's Open Night Football Tournament 2022, earning a whopping Rs 2.5 lakh cash prize.

VMT secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Phat Chomkhat Sporting Club of Saparmeina in the final match played in front of a huge crowd at D Phaihel village on Monday evening.

Meanwhile, Saikotjang Youth Club beat Galbung to clinch the men's volleyball title and received a cash prize of Rs 30,000 while Teenstar from Saitu defeated Rangers Kangpokpi won the women's volleyball title to get a cash prize of Rs 15,000.Men's volleyball runners up Galbung and women's volleyball runners-up Rangers Kangpokpi were awarded a trophy and a cash prize of Rs 20,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively.

The KFA's Open Night Tournament's closing ceremony was graced by Youth Affairs and Sports minister Govindas Konthoujam as chief guest while Textiles, Commerce, and Industry and Cooperation minister Nemcha Kipgen and Wangkhei MLA Thangjam Arun Kumar attended as guest of honour.

Ex-councillor of ADC Sa-dar Hills Lunthang Haokip attended as functional president on behalf of local MLA Haokholet Kipgen.

T Phulen Meitei, director Youth Affairs and Sports, also attended the event.

Acknowledging the immense contribution of Kuki Football Academy in the held of football, YAS minister Govindas Konthoujam said that the Kuki Football Academy since its inception in 2015 has produced many good footballers who are playing in different clubs across the state and the country.

The minister also announced that with a col lective proposal of the district MLAs and minister, the central government has approved the Youth Affairs and Sports Department's proposal to open a district football centre in respect of Kangpokpi under Khello India and a proper coach for the Kuki Football Academy will be hired shortly so that a formal training could be imparted soon.

The YAS minister also said that in tune with the vision of the chief minister for the welfare and development of young talented sportspersons from both the hills and the valley, the Youth Affairs and Sports Department will sanction Rs 5 lakh to provide sufficient lights to the Kuki Football Academy's future night tournament.

The minister also assured a proper turf ground for the Kuki Football Academy.

Minister Nemcha Kipgen, MLA Thangjam Arun Kumar, director YAS Phulen Meitei also spoke on the occasion.

In the final match, Seikhohao's 33rd-minute brilliant goal from a 24-yard indirect kick helped VMT win the tournament.

Seikhohao was also adjudged best striker of the tournament and man of the final match.

Runners-up Phat Chomkhat Sporting Club had to contend with a trophy and a cash prize of Rs 1.5 lakh.

Third-place HLMT, K Gamnomphai and fourth place Jamsat Songtun Youth Club were awarded a trophy and a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and Rs 30,000 respectively.

Seija Kipgen of PSC, Khaiminthang of VMT, Thanglenkai of PSC, Lalkhanlen of JSYC, John of KVMT, and Thanginsang of PSC were given best keeper, best defender, best midfielder, top-scorer, hat trick and man of the tournament awards respectively.

Manipur Gorkha XI fans were awarded fans of the year 2022 while Tongsei Memorial Team, Bungpi Area named best team of the year.

The tournament's media partners Zalaileng from Kangpokpi and E7 Sports were also felicitated during the occasion.

Comment