The first edition of T20 Open Cricket Tournament organised by Kangpokpi Cricket Association under the aegis of District Sports Association, Kangpokpi Sadar Hills was kicked off in style on Wednesday at Brig M Thomas Ground Kangpokpi.
The tournament was organised in loving memory of (L) S Thanglienmang Kipgen, fondly remembered as Mangboi, who was one of the instrumental pioneers in introducing the prestigious cricket in Kangpokpi 20 years ago.
The inaugural ceremony of the tournament was attended by additional SP (Ops) Lalminlen Misao as chief guest while chairman Kangpokpi Town Committee Lunseh Kipgen and director cum principal, Lighthouse School Kangpokpi Dennis Misao attended as president and guest of honour respectively.
Father Jangkhogin Chongloi attended as opening minister who dedicated the tournament after it was formally inaugurated by the chief guest.
Kangpokpi Women Welfare Organization president Hekim Hangshing and secretary Ramte Kipgen, Kangpokpi Youth Union Secretary Lalkholen Kipgen and some members of the town Committee also attended as special guests apart from family members of (L) S Thanglienmang Kipgen.
(L) S Thanglienmang Kipgen, popularly known as Mangboi Kipgen was a talented cricketer who founded Kangpokpi Cricket Association along with few more people who introduced cricket in the District Headquarters 20 years back.
Additional SP(Ops) Lalminlen Misao said that participation, determination and discipline are three factors instrumental to success among the sportsperson and exhorted the players to maintain the three important factors properly.
Lunseh Kipgen and Dennis Misao also spoke on the occasion.
Family members of (L) S Thanglienmang Kipgen presented one cap each as a souvenir to all the players.
The inaugural match between Mangboi Memorial Team Kangpokpi and Karong Knight Riders was kicked off after inspection of players by dignitaries and hitting of the ball inside the pitch by the chief guest as marked of opening the tournament.
Karong Knight Riders won the toss and selected to bat first scoring a total of 104 runs in 20 overs. However, it was Mangboi Memorial Team Kangpokpi who won the match by 5 wickets.
On Thursday Mantripukhri Cricket Team will play KUCC Kanglatongbi in the first match while SDCA Senapati will play A&A Pictures Kangpokpi in the second match.
The tournament carries a trophy and cash prize of Rs 50,000 for the Champion team and a trophy with cash prize of Rs 20,000 for the runner up.
