29th Shirui Lily Cup 2021 kicks off, UBFC beat PFC
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makan

Ukhrul, November 24 2021: After a hiatus of 10 years, the much-anticipated 29th edition of Shirui Lily Cup 2021 kicked off with a grand inaugural ceremony here at TNL Ground in Ukhrul town on Wednesday.

Organised by the Ukhrul District Sports Association (UDSA), the national level football tournament brings together a total of 10 soccer teams including two teams from Nagaland and Meghalaya.

In the opening match, United Brothers FC were pitted against Phungyar FC.

The fiercely competed match ended in a 2-0 result in favour of UBFC, knocking PFC out of the tournament.

In the first half of the match, jersey No 11 Khangatar scored 1 goal in favour of UBFC while in the second half, jersey No 10 Thotngayung secured another goal in favour of UBFC.

Attending the inaugural ceremony as chief guest, football promoter Dr Somi Sareo hoisted the tournament flag in the presence of UDSA president and Ukhrul MLA Alfred Kanngam Arthur and UDSA officials and others.

Dr Sareo also led the inspection of opening match teams and declared the tournament open by kicking off the ball into the field.

He recalled how he learnt to play the game from former player late Aleng Shimrah and had the opportunity to participate in the Shirui Lily Cup tournament during its early days.

Encouraging the participating players to play with team spirit and make sincere efforts, Dr Sareo enthused, "I still remember the days when our team won the Shirui Lily Cup championship on two separate occasions".

In his presidential speech, Alfred Kanngam Arthur informed that the tournament is being organised by UDSA under the aegis of All Manipur Football Association (AMFA).

In establishing the positive impacts sport has on the health and life of the people, he said that the tournament seeks to bring together different people as one community, thereby promoting unity.

The MLA also urged each of the players to embrace the concept of 'fair play'.

"Fair play doesn't necessarily mean the best man wins but it means the best that every man or woman gives.

Give your best and your best is enough," he stressed.

Delivering a welcome address, co-convenor Somipam Lungleng said that the Shirui Lily Cup tournament was upgraded to national level in 2008, after it was instituted in 1973.He, however, lamented the tournament had lapsed for 10 ten years after its 28th edition held back in 2011, owing to technical difficulties in the face of acute lack of sports infrastructures.

A two-minute silence was observed to honour the departed UDSA members ahead of the opening match.

UDSA also honoured Tangkhul football personalities including Wungngayam Muirang of Bengaluru FC, Hormipam Ruivah of Kerala Blaster, Chanso Horam of Mumbai City FC and lady referee Shingnaisui Shanthing.

Among the participating teams included United Brothers FC, Phungyar FC, Yarkhok United FC, Pasi FC, Klasa FC, Trau FC.

NACO, AIM, Shillong Lajong FC (Meghalaya) and New Market FC (Nagaland) .

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