10th Shaheed Manoranjan Singh Memorial CRPF State Open Football tournament begins
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, February 19 2020: Governor of Manipur, Dr Najma Heptulla today inaugurated the 10th Shaheed Manoranjan Singh Memorial Football Tournament 2020 at SAI Sports Complex, Takyel.

The tournament featuring a total of 25 teams will conclude on March 5.The tournament is being organized by CRPF & Imphal West District Football Association under the aegis of Manipur & Nagaland Sector CRPF and All Manipur Football Association.

Speaking as a chief guest at the inaugural function, Dr Najma Haptulla said that, it was a moment of great honour to be present during the inauguration function of the tournament which is organised in memory of late Ng Manoranjan Singh, Assistant Commandant of CRPF.

She also paid tribute to the brave officer for his supreme sacrifice while fighting Maoists in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh on 17 September 2009 and conveyed respect to his (Shaheed Manoranjan's) mother, Ng Memcha Devi who was also present on the dais.

Lauding the Central Reserve Police Force, the Governor said that they are one of the largest paramilitary forces in the world which has been discharging dedicated and humanitarian services and has also rendered exemplary services in Manipur to maintain peace and tranquility in the State.

She also thanked the organizer as this tournament will motivates youths to come forward and become responsible citizens while extending wishes to all the participating teams.

She also urged them to make this mega event a grand success and play the game with vigour and in true spirit.

The opening match of the knock-out football tournament was played between AFC, Thoubal and Classic Football Academy (CFA), Imphal wherein the Thoubal side won 4-1 thanks to Sahidur hattrick.

AFC got off to a flying start with Sahidur breaking the deadlock in the 15th minute before Sahidur completed his double off a penalty in the 34th minute to make it 2-0 till the break.

Sahidur then capped his hattrick with another penalty kick awarded in the 48th minute as he made no mistake in beating the CFA keeper.

The scoring spree continued with Kh Birjit adding another in AFC's tally in the 68th minute before CFA grabbed a consolation goal lately in the 74th minute to make it 1-4 .

NESU, Khurai will play AKSA, Kwakta in the next match of the tournament tomorrow before DM RAO, Sekmai meet NACO, Nambul Mapal.

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