Sepoy K Ashuli VrC Memorial Open Volleyball Tournament ends
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, April 11 2025: The vibrant hills of Senapati district, Manipur resonated with cheers, pride, and emotion as the Late Sepoy K Ashuli, VrC Open Volleyball Tournament concluded on Friday at Mini Stadium, Senapati, marking the end of a five-day sporting celebration deeply rooted in honour and remembrance.

Organized jointly by the Assam Rifles and the Senapati District Olympic Association, Manipur (SDOAM), the tournament paid a glowing tribute to Sepoy K Ashuli, a local hero and Vir Chakra awardee who made the ultimate sacrifice during the 1999 Kargil War.

His story of bravery continues to inspire generations, and this tournament stood as a living monument to his memory.

Sepoy K Ashuli VrC Memorial Open Volleyball Tournament ends

The tournament brought together 10 men's teams and 8 women's teams, with the teams coming from far-flung corners of the State.

Both the men's and women's categories saw participation of teams from Senapati, Churachandpur, Ukhrul and Kangpokpi showcasing the unifying power of sport and shared honour.

Col Sandeep Sharma, Commandant, 16 Assam Rifles, Maram Battalion in his speech stated that the tournament was organised to honour a brave son of the soil of Senapati district.

During the Kargil war in 1999, Sepoy K Ashuli was part of the 1 Naga Regiment who took part in the war.

The role which he played was stated to be something extraordinary not that everyone can do.

So many heroes during that war were unsung, he said.

Col Sharma also mentioned that the legacy of the late sepoy K Ashuli lives on and inspires the people to excel in whatever one does, adding he's an inspiration and a hero of the area.

In the men's final, Senapati Sporting Club triumphed over Brotherhood Volleyball Club (Churachandpur) in a thrilling display of skill and sportsmanship by 3-0 sets, while in the women's final, Hoivah Memorial Team (Churachandpur) emerged victorious against Senapati Sporting Club by 3-1 sets, clinching the trophy after a hard-fought match.

In the women's volleyball, Lhungneithem of Hoivah Memorial Team, Ruby of Senapati Sporting Club and Beveinai of Senapati Sporting Club were adjudged best spiker, best setter, and player of the tournament in the women's competition.

Meanwhile, Ibrahim Wang of Senapati Sporting Club, Pausiamlian of Brother Volleyball Club and Sakil of Senapati Sporting Club respectively emerged best spiker, best setter and player of the tournament in the men's competition.

A statue of Late Sepoy K Ashuli VrC was also unveiled on the occasion that was also attended by A Hriiyio, his son and Commandant, Maram Battalion Assam Rifles.