MLA Losii Dikho inaugurates 2nd edition of General Thangal Memorial Open Football Tournament
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, March 10 2025: The 2nd edition of General Thangal Memorial Open Football Tournament, 2025 was inaugurated and declared opened by Losii Dikho, MLA, 48-Mao AC as chief guest.

Soshim Gurung, a local social worker and RK Philip, president, Thangal Union also attended the inaugural function of the tournament organised by the Thangal Anleinao Jonlong (Thangal Students Union) at Mayangkhang local ground as the guest of honour and functional president.

In his welcome note, KD Lamronba, president, Thangal Students Union stated that the organising committee was honored to have all the participants in celebrating the life and legacy of the legendary General Thangal.

MLA Losii Dikho inaugurates 2nd edition of General Thangal Memorial Open Football Tournament

While paying tribute to General Thangal's unwavering commitment, courage, and sacrifice, Lamronba said that his selfless service to the Nation continues to inspire the people, and it is fitting that the people celebrate his legacy through the beautiful game of football.

As the tournament kicked off, the student leader urged the gathering to remember the values that General Thangal embodied: discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, urging all to strive to uphold these values, both on and off the field.

To the players, TAJ President urged them to give their best, to play with passion and dedication, and to make the tournament a memorable one, while calling upon all to play with honour, integrity, and sportsmanship and urging to make the tournament a fitting tribute to the legendary General Thangal.

Thangal Union President, RK Philip stated that the 1st edition of the tournament was inaugurated by former CM N Biren Singh in 2021 with a promise to turn the tournament into a State level event.

However, the prevailing restive situation since 2023 has hindered the execution, he noted.

Guest of honour, Soshim Gurung in his speech stated that the name and legacy of General Thangal continues to live even upto these days, adding his bravery and loyalty is imprinted in the mind of everyone in the state.

The guest of honour lauded the organisers for organising such a tournament in the name of the legendary leader.

The guest of honour urged the gathering to dedicate 1 minute in prayer for peace to return to the State in the evening.

Speaking as the chief guest, MLA Dikho mentioned that the Thangal tribe though they are a small tribe are blessed people to have produced such a legendary leader from the land.

The MLA urged the Thangal tribe to praise God for all the marvelous blessings to the tribe.

Responding to the memorandum submitted to him, the MLA stated that he would pursue the concerned authority to turn the tournament into a State level tournament to bring together different youth from different communities as part of bringing peace in the State through sports.

Speaking on the importance of games and sports, the MLA wished luck to all the teams.

21 teams are participating in the tournament that will culminate on March 31 .