Dr NMT emerge champions of Thadou Trophy football tourney
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, May 07 2022: Dr Nehginpao Kipgen Memorial Team sealed the title of the 4th Thadou Trophy State-level open football tournament, 2021 after defeating Kuki Football Academy 2-1 in the final match today at Saparmeina public ground.

Prof Dr Nehginpao Memorial Team featuring well-known ISL players like Len Doungel, Jackichand, Salam Ranjan besides players from various football clubs of the State beat the Kuki Football Academy (KFA) who were also featuring ISL player like Songpu Singsit and former East Bengal player Ginkholen in the final match.

However it was Seiminthang's brace in the 35th and 45th minutes before the break that earned the debutants top honour of the tournament as KFA failed to pull level after Seineo had reduced the gap in the 48th minute.

Taking the opportunity of the huge participation of various football clubs dominated by youths and the popularity of the trophy with thousands of fans, the Manipur police strongly embarked on promoting the Government's 'War On Drugs' campaign initiated by the Chief Minister.

Paotinmang Doungel, Director General of Police graced the occasion as chief guest while Brigadier PS Arora, DIG, 22-Sector, IGAR(E) and M Jamkhomang Haokip, secretary general, Thadou Inpi, GHQs attended as guest of honour and functional president respectively among others.

Amrita Sinha, SP Kangpokpi; James Doujapao Haokip, CEO, SHADC Kangpokpi; Thangkhochon Haokip, Addl SP Senapati also accompanied the Manipur police chief where they strongly emphasized on 'War on Drugs' .

The Manipur police officials led by P Doungel were also seen distributing sweets among the crowd after the "War on Drugs" campaign.

A friendly match between 22 Assam Rifles and TSA leaders was also played before the final match.

Champions Prof Dr Nehginpao Memorial Team walked away with a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh and a trophy while the runners-up Kuki Football Academy were awarded with a trophy and cash prize of Rs 50,000 .

Kuki Football Academy's striker and East Bengal player Songpu Singsit who bagged hattrick thrice during the tournament emerged top scorer with 14 goals in his boot.

Meanwhile, Prof Dr Nehginpao Memorial Team's custodian Jedidi bagged the best goalkeeper award and KFA's Lenminlal Haokip bagged the emerging player of the tournament as Salam Ranjan was feted with the man of the final match award.

About Dr Nehginpao
Prof Dr Nehginpao Kipgen was a renowned Kuki academician, political scientist, famous writer and an orator in varied fields.

He died of the dreaded Covid on May 2 last year in Delhi.

The late Professor served as Executive Director at the Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS), OP Jindal Global University, New Delhi before he breathed his last.

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