Charai Thangal FC emerge champions of General Thangal Memorial Open Football Tournament
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, April 01 2025: Charai Thangal FC emerged champions of the 2nd edition of General Thangal Memorial Open Football Tournament organised by Thangal Anleinao Jonlong (Thangal Students' Union) at Mayangkhang local ground.

The 21-team tournament that began on March 10 culminated yesterday with Charai Thangal FC beating Zalengam FC by 1-0 goal in the final match.

The lone goal that settled the game was scored by John Kennedy.

Charai Thangal FC emerge champions of General Thangal Memorial Open Football Tournament

Charai Thangal FC pocketed the title trophy and a cash prize of Rs 1.5 lakh as the runners up settled for a cash prize of Rs 75,000 alongside trophy and citation.

Other individual prizes were also presented during the closing function that was attended by Dinganglung Gangmei, MLA Nungba AC and Chairman of Hill Area Committee, Government of Manipur as the chief guest.

Speaking at the event, KD Lamronba, president of Thangal Students' Union expressed gratitude to MLAs L Dikho and Dinganglung Gangmei for attending the inaugural function and the closing function and making the tournament organised in honour of one of the State's patriots General Thangal who fought valiantly against the British to safeguard the freedom of Manipur.

The tournament was a testament to the enduring spirit of General Thangal and it served as a platform to promote unity, friendship and healthy competition among the youth, he said.

Speaking as the chief guest, Dinganglung Gangmei also paid tribute to General Thangal and recalled his contributions in the fight against the British before he was hanged.

He also attributed factionalism and tribalism as the root cause of the present conflict in the State and urged all to stick to constitutional means to raise any demand to avoid any conflict.

While calling upon to observe Patriots' Day more widely, he also expressed his desire to see the growth of the Thangal tribe.