Morung Express News Dimapur | November 19 Border Security Force (BSF) defeated Assam Rifles in a final decided via penalty shootout to clinch the 65th BN Mullick Memorial All India Police Football Championship at the NAPTC ground, Chumukedima, Saturday afternoon. Punjab Police were placed third in the championship which saw a total of 39 teams including state and central police and para-military forces Witnessed by a capacity crowd including civilians, the final match was characterized by individual streaks of brilliance and team camaraderie till the final whistle. In the first half, AR got the first real opportunity at scoring in the 10th minute but the shot deflected off the goalpost. The AR boys also missed a couple of corner kicks. BSF made some forays inside the D-box of the rival custodian but could not convert their attempts into goals, and both teams were locked in a goalless draw till the lemon break. After the breather, both teams made renewed attempts but the scoreboard remained 0-0 at the end of normal playtime, resulting in a penalty shootout, which went 5-4 in favour of BSF. Nagaland Home minister, Y Patton, who graced the closing ceremony as the chief guest, in his address expressed optimism that the All India Police fraternity football championship would play a major role in promoting national integration. The minister said the sporting event was an opportune time for the police fraternity to come together from different parts of the country with a feeling of oneness and a sense of mutual respect for each other. Patton said in the pursuit to win over their fellow policemen, there might have been some misunderstandings and exchange of angry words, but he urged the police fraternity not to harbor any ill-feelings but rather to consider those rare moments as an opportunity to getting closer to each other. He further said that it is not winning or losing which is important but “participation with true team spirit and sportsmanship quality is the hallmark of the entire tournament.” The Home minister was accompanied by 11 cabinet colleagues including ministers, parliamentary secretaries and advisors. Special director, IB, Rajiv Jain and DGP Nagaland, LL Doungel, also addressed the closing function
