20th Peh Martyrs' Memorial Trophy 2021 concludes
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, January 02 2022: The 20th edition of the Peh Martyrs' Memorial Trophy 2021 concluded at the Peh village public ground in northern Ukhrul on Saturday.

Retired CPWD engineer Wungpam Raikhan attended the closing ceremony of the six-day long tournament as chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Raikhan said that sporting activities need to be encouraged as they shape youngsters' personality, character and outlook and ultimately lead them to a path in the sporting career.

"As a player, you need to put in sincere efforts to improve your skills so that you could become a professional sportsperson," he encouraged the young participating players.

He continued that at a time when government jobs are fast shrinking due to continued privatization in the public sector, sports offer a bright career prospect for aspiring young sportspersons.

There is no dearth of economic potentials and human resources in the district's Raphei region.

"What we are lacking is proper way to tap them efficiently," he added.

On the institution of the martyrs' memorial trophy, he said that there's no greater sacrifice than giving one's precious life for the cause of nation.

"I give my respect to all those Peh natives who have laid down their lives for the Naga nation and those who are serving selflessly for the same cause," he said.

Raikhan who is a Naga People's Front (NPF) intending candidate for the forthcoming Manipur General Elections 2022 from Chingai AC, went on to urge the villagers to pursue collective development of the village economy as a whole,rather than seeking immediate benefits of individuals.

"One a viable option to improve the economy of the people is creating trade and commerce opportunities for the locals," he observed, adding that the villagers should pursue establishment of border haats in the region.

He also expressed concern over the gradual loss of age-old custom and tradition of the forefathers among the younger generation and drew the attention of the youth in preserving the good virtues left by the elders.

According to him, Tangkhul villages were once a close-knit community wherein elders had a modest lifestyle and shared whatever they had including food with their neighbours with utmost generosity.

"Now, with the passage of time, such practices are fast disappearing.

Our youngsters should come together to revive them," he exhorted.

In the final match, Neo FC beat Comet FC 3-1 to emerge the winner of the tournament.

The tournament instituted in memory of the fallen Naga national workers from the village, was organised by the Nine Star Sports Organisation (NSSO) .

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