3rd DGAR Hockey Cup 2026 : Army XI Red, MEIRAA crowned men and women's champions
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 28 2026: Crowning eleven days of high-octane athletic action, intense sportsmanship and vibrant community engagement, the 3rd Director General Assam Rifles Hockey Cup 2026 culminated in a grand closing ceremony at Khuman Lampak Hockey Stadium today.

Organised by Assam Rifles from September 18, the prestigious championship drew a massive turnout of enthusiastic spectators, with a large number of local youth and students filling the stands to witness the summit encounters.

The grand finale commenced with the closing ceremony, where the Governor of Manipur graced the occasion as the chief guest.

The solemn event was attended by distinguished dignitaries, including the Director General Assam Rifles, Signal Officer-in-Chief of the Indian Army, Inspector General Assam Rifles (South), alongside influencers, school students and members of the local community.

As a mark of rich tradition and warm hospitality, Meitei Lengyan and floral bouquets were presented to honour the visiting dignitaries.

The sporting action reached its zenith in the men's Final, where Army XI Red Team delivered a clinical and dominant performance, defeating Corps of Signals 5-0 to claim the coveted championship title.

In the women's Category, MEIRAA emerged as the champions after an impressive tournament campaign, with THA securing the runners-up position.

In recognition of exemplary sporting prowess, medals and cash rewards were presented to the winners and runners-up across both categories.

Individual honours saw Manipuri player W Neeraj Singh of Army XI Red Team judged the Best Player of the Tournament in the Men's Category, while Athokpam Malemnganbi of MEIRAA was declared the Best Player in the Women's Category.

Highlighting the tournament's commitment to nurturing grassroots talent, a special award for Best Emerging Player in the Women's Category was presented to Khaidem Shileima of the EYDC Women's Team.

This accolade carried a special cash reward of Rs 20,000, instituted by Lt Gen Konsam Himalay Singh (Retd) in the cherished memory of his daughter, Poornima Konsam, and was presented by his granddaughter, Priyanka Konsam.

The landmark tournament concluded with the Vote of Thanks delivered by the Director General Assam Rifles, marking the successful completion of the championship, said IGAR (S) in a press release.

Comment