Vomthang Memorial Team (VMT) of L Lhangnom from Saikul lifted the prestigious Champion trophy of the sixth edition of the Kuki Football Academy's Open Night Football Tournament, 2022 with a whopping Rs 2.5 lakh cash prize Monday evening after a narrow 1-0 victory over Phat Chomkhat Sporting Club of Saparmeina at D Phaihel village amidst a thousand crowds.

Meanwhile, Saikotjang Youth Club clinched the men's volleyball champion trophy with a cash prize of Rs 30,000 after defeating Galbung while Teenstar from the Saitu area clinched the women's volleyball champion trophy with a cash prize of Rs 15,000 after defeating Rangers Kangpokpi.

Men's volleyball runner Galbung and Women's volleyball runner-up Rangers Kangpokpi were awarded a trophy and a cash prize of Rs 20,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively.

The almost two-month-long KFA's Open Night Tournament's closing ceremony was graced by Works/Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Govindas Konthoujam as chief guest while Textiles, Commerce, and Industry and Cooperation Minister Nemcha Kipgen and Wangkhei MLA Thangjam Arun Kumar attended as guests of honour.

Ex-Councillor of ADC Sadar Hills, Lunthang Haokip attended as functional president on behalf of the local MLA Haokholet Kipgen while T Phulen Meitei, Youth Affairs and Sports director also attended the event.

Acknowledging the immense contribution of Kuki Football Academy in the field of sports particularly football, YAS Minister Govindas Konthoujam said that the Kuki Football Academy since its inception in 2015 had produced many good footballers who played in different clubs across the state and the country which not only promote professional football but contribute a lot in the state's economic growth.

The minister also announced that with a collective proposal of the district MLAs and minister, the Government of India has approved the Youth Affairs and Sports Department to open a district football centre in respect of Kangpokpi under Khello India and a proper coach for the Kuki Football Academy will be put up shortly so that a formal training could be imparted soon.

The YAS Minister also said that in tune with the vision and concern of our Chief Minister for the welfare and development of young talented sportspersons of the state both from the hills and the valley, the Youth Affairs and Sports Department will sanction Rs 5 lakh for sufficient lights to the Kuki Football Academy so that the next edition of its night tournament could be played under sufficient lights.

The minister also assured a proper turf ground to the Kuki Football Academy.

Minister Nemcha Kipgen, MLA Thangjam Arun Kumar, Director, YAS, Phulen Meitei also spoke on the occasion.

In the final match, Seikhohao's 33rd-minute brilliant goal from a 24-yard indirect kick gave Saikul's memorial side the champion while Seikhohao was also awarded the tournament's best striker.

The runner-up Phat Chomkhat Sporting Club had to contend with a trophy and a cash prize of Rs 1.5 lakh.

Third place HLMT, K Gamnomphai and fourth place Jamsat Songtun Youth Club were awarded a trophy and a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and Rs 30,000 respectively.

Apart from the tournament's best striker award, Seikhohao of VMT was also awarded man of the final match while Seija Kipgen of PSC, Khaiminthang of VMT, Thanglenkai of PSC, Lalkhanlen of JSYC, John of KVMT, and Thanginsang of PSC were awarded best keeper, best defender, best midfielder, top scorer, hat trick, and man of the tournament respectively.

Manipur Gorkha XI fans were awarded fans of the year 2022 while Tongsei Memorial Team, Bungpi Area was awarded best team of the year.

The tournament's media partners Zalaileng from Kangpokpi and E7 Sports were also felicitated during the occasion.