Dignitaries and organisers of the 1st NE U-19 girls tournament which kicked off in Diphu on July 17. (Photo courtesy: PRO, IGARN)
DIMAPUR, JULY 17 (MExN): The North Eastern Girls (Under-19) Football Tournament kicked off in Diphu on July 17.
The 40 minute opening ceremony was laden with performances by Karbi Anglong culture troupe, the Assam Rifles Band; it also featured 144 girls from the 8 competing states of North East swamp the pitch.
The inaugural function was graced by Major General Pradeep Nair, YSM, IG AR (North) as the chief guest, while Tuliram Ronghang, Chief Executive Member, KAAC; Gourav Upadhyay, IPS, SP; and Rupsingh Teron, Executive Member, KAAC attended the function among others.
In his brief speech, Major General PC Nair, YSM congratulated and encouraged the players to compete in the true sportsmanship and to make the most of the exposure to make lifelong friends from all eight sister states for ensuring better awareness. He observed that North East has the potential and talent for football but lack of opportunities held back these potential. He added that this tournament will provide a launch pad for all the aspiring female footballers of the North East.
In the opening match, Sikkim girls began as favorites and as expected, the first goal was netted in the 8th minute by the Sikkim girls. Thereafter, for rest of the match, the Sikkim girls continued to dominate the proceedings during both the halves. However, in a spectacular show of perseverance, the Tripura girls came from behind to score two goals in the 88th and 90th minutes thereby clinching the match 2-1.
The tournament carries Rs 3 lakh towards prizes, apart from selection of potential players for Assam Rifles team.
On July 17, Manipur XI will play against Meghalaya XI, Arunachal XI against Assam XI and Nagaland XI against Mizoram XI.
