Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 08:
Bharatiyam by school children, martial art demonstration and colourful cultural programme by local youths marked the opening ceremony of the 10th All Tangkhul Football Challenge Trophy at Pakshi ground, Hundung in Ukhrul district today.
Headman of Hundung chief AS Wungnaoyo Zimik attended the function as chief guest and in his address to the gathering lauded the efforts of the organizing committee in organizing the tournament despite various problems.
He maintained that the tournament was the biggest sports event ever organized in the district.
Appreciating the martial art demonstration by the local youths during the opening ceremony, Wungnaoyo dwelled at length on the rich tradition of martial art and the art of self defence which has been in existence since time immemorial.
It is one living tradition that should be promoted by both the hill and valley people as it has also the potential of bringing the people of the two communities together as one against their common foe.
In all nine teams divided into two Pools are taking part in the football tournament being held on knock out basis.
The winning team would be getting cash prize of Rs 12,000 add the runners up Rs 6000 besides certificates and other mementos.
The tournament is being organized by the organizing committee of the ATFCT and the officials who would be conducting all the matches are AS Laxman (match commissioner), national referee H Khamba (centre referee), state referee S Jameson (assistant referee-I), national referee L Ajitkumar ( assistant referee-II) and state referee I Rabichandra as fourth official.
On the first day of the tournament, the host team Thayaichao Hunching Youth Spirts Association (THYSA) suffered defeat in the Jjandi of Allen Football Academy (AFA) by a lean margin of 2-1.Ramyami of THY$A scored the first goal of the match in 26 minutes of the match.
However, Wunyaning of AFA equalized the score in 45 minutes of the match.
The wining goal of AFA came from Samata in 51 minutes of the match.
AS Nungva of THYSA and Ngasanao of AFA were also cautioned by the referee for their unruly conduct during the match.
The second match of the tournament would tie played on May 10.