- from a e-pao user at Chandigarh
Source: Arkay
Chandigarh, Jul 29:
The 3rd Junior girls under 17 Football Tournament was conducted in Chandigarh from the 10-27th of July, 2006.In all, 23 teams took part.
Manipur the reigning champions and Orissa, last years runners up clashed for the trophy at the Sec 17 Football ground.
Despite playing brilliantly throughout the match, Manipur lost by a solitary goal to Orissa.
The Orissa team was equally strong but they were playing a defensive game while Manipur was on the attack most of the time leaving wide spaces for counter attack.
It was one such counter attack initiated by the Orissa skipper Shradhanjali Sahoo which saw their diminutive striker Rashmi Podh striking the solitary and decisive goal in the 44th minute.
Manipur had several chances and should have won by 12-3 if it were not for lady luck betrayibg at the crucial moments.
At least 3 times the ball struck either the woodwork or stopped right at the goal line.
The Manipur Brigade, comprising mostly of the huge student community here, came out in full force along with "pung-jhan", banners, slogans...but were hugely disappointed with the outcome.
Some were seen leaving the field with teary eyes as the girls played their hearts out.
Influential Manipuris settled at Chandigarh were also supportive of the state team with contributions of cash and typical Manipuri dishes for the girls.
Despite the loss, the girls were very happy at the gesture.
Some of the highlights of the tournament are:- Manipur scored a record 72 goals in the tournament and conceded only 1 in the final match - Kamla devi was the highest goal scorer with 17 goal.