Wangkhei AC MLA, Thangjam Arun Kumar, kicked off the sixth edition of the Kuki Football Academy's Open Night Football Tournament with a whopping Rs 2.5 lakh as Champion cash prize, at the KFA playground Thursday evening at D Phaihel village in Kangpokpi district.
The opening ceremony was graced by MLA Thangjam Arun Kumar as Chief Guest while Tipaimukh AC MLA, Ngursanglur Sanate, and District Sports Association Sadar Hills President, Chongpu Kipgen attended as Guest of Honour and Functional President respectively.
Appreciating the roles and responsibilities shouldered by the Kuki Football Academy in moulding the football enthusiastic youngsters, MLA Thangjam Arun Kumar said that football has become very professional nowadays, and if footballers maintain discipline, and follow what has been taught and instructed by the coach, the door is always open for success and fame.
He also urged the sports lovers of the state to maintain the dignity of Manipur in the field of sports and motivate them to bring more fame and laurel to the state. He also motivated the young footballer by saying "try and try again, at last, you will succeed" while adding that failure is not the end.
DSA Sadar Hills President, Chongpu Kipgen wished KFA to be a platform for many young footballers in making their football careers a success.
In the inaugural match, South Changoubung Youth Club defeated SMT Taphou 2-1.
Luntinlal (15') and Mangtinlal (21') scored for South Changoubung Youth Club while Sonjalen pulled back a goal for SMT Taphou in the 41st minute.
In the second match, SMT Haipi had a narrow 1-0 win over Lhingneithem Memorial Team (LMT) with Ngamminlal's goal in the 73rd minute.
More than 50 teams in the fray for the champion title are divided into 16 groups for the league round.
The prizes are Rs. 2.5 lakh for the champions, Rs.1.5 lakh for the runners-up while the third and fourth placed will get Rs. 50,000/- and Rs. 30,000/- respectively.
In individual prizes, a man of the final match, best keeper, best defender, best midfielder, nest striker, top scorer, and hat trick will get Rs.3,000/- each while the best team, a man of the tournament, and fans of the year will get Rs.5,000/- each and best discipline team will get Rs.10,000/-.
The Kuki Football Academy also introduced the Volleyball Tournament for both men and women this year with Rs.30,000/- for the men's champions and Rs.15,000/- for the runner while the women's volleyball champion will get Rs.20,000/- and the runner up will get Rs. 10,000/-.
The volleyball tourney will kick off on September 27.
