Night warriors crowned champions of Saramati Soccer C’ship

Er N Ramphio Lotha kicks off the tournament at local ground, Pungro town.

DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 18 (MExN): The 11th edition of Saramati Soccer Championship 2019 was held from December 11 to 16  at Local Ground Pungro Town. 

Night Warriors Pungro emerged as the champions after defeating the reigning champions Surayin FC 2-1 in a thrilling match. Asthong the skipper of Surayin FC opened the scoresheet in the second half of the match. However, within few minutes Sinlo Kath of Night Warriors Pungro scored the equaliser from the spot kick. And in the last minutes of the match, Alo of Night Warriors scored the winning goal of the tournament.

Altogether, 10 teams participated where the spectators witnessed 23 matches from the league stages to the finals.

N Ramphio Lotha, SDO (Power) Pungro graced the Soccer Tourney as the Special Guest. In his speech, the special guest lauded the organizers, Saramati Nexus Club Pungro for organizing such an enthralling tourney wherein hundreds of youths benefitted. He also stressed that these tourneys will surely have an impact on the building up of minds physically and mentally.

The final match was graced by T Shelimthong, Executive Chairman, Yimchungrü Tribal Council (YTC) as the Special Guest.

The champions walked away with Rs. 60, 000 with medals and the runners up were awarded Rs. 30,000. The losing semifinalists Purenvong FC and UFC Salomi were also awarded Rs. 8000 each. The tournament was also held as block level sports meet organized by SNC in collaboration with NYK, Kiphire.

The final match on December 16 between Knight warriors and Surayin FC was dedicated to late T Torechu, MLA of 60 A/C Pro-Kpe who passed away at the early hours of the day.

Player of the tournament: Maldar (Night Warriors)
Highest scorer: Johnny (Night Warriors) 9 goals
Best keeper: Emoz (Surayin FC)
Emerging player: Vanthong (Cohort Confrère GHSS Pungro)