A moment during the Poumai Premier League (PPL) Season X which commenced on October 19 at the Astro Turf Ground in Senapati. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express news
Kohima | October 16
The Poumai Premier League (PPL) Season X officially commenced today at the Astro Turf Ground in Senapati, with 16 competing teams. The opening ceremony was graced by Saveio Khole, Vice President of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), Manipur State, as the chief guest, alongside M. Sheveine, MCS, SDO/BDO of Mao-Maram Tadubi, as guest of honor.
In his address, Saveio Khole reflected on the league’s challenging beginnings, praising the founding members for their perseverance. He encouraged players to dedicate themselves fully to their sport, emphasizing the importance of respect, discipline, and teamwork. “To become a famous player requires outstanding performance, and that can only be achieved through hard work and commitment,” Khole stated, urging athletes to uphold these values throughout the league and beyond.
Dr Paode A, the convenor of PPL Season X, delivered a welcome note highlighting the league’s mission to transform the Poumai community through sports. He recounted the league’s origins in Delhi in 2014 and its relocation to Senapati, aimed at fostering development and unity within the community. Dr Paode also urged players to respect their coaches and demonstrate good sportsmanship, further promoting integrity in the sport.
Providing insights into the league’s history, Vipuni Ruhmai, a member of the PPL Season X Committee, shared that the league began with nine football clubs and has successfully held nine seasons, culminating in last year’s relocation to Senapati, where Paohkhaodu FC emerged as the defending champions.
With the objective of the league being to promote community relationships and harmony through sports, the organizers reminded spectators to maintain cleanliness during the matches, aligning with the league’s slogan: “Clean Senapati, Green Senapati.”
The opening match featured a thrilling contest between defending champions Paohkhaodu FC and Sheku FC, ending with a score of 5-2 in favor of Paohkhaodu FC.
