Muvanlai FC wins coveted 10th ONGC Northeast Tamchon Football Tournament title

By: Vangamla Salle K S New Delhi [India], Dec. 6 (ANI): Football is popular among the youth of the northeast, which has given the country some of its best players and they have brought laurels to the country. The Northeast Tamchon Football Tournament, one of the most coveted northeast football tournaments, concluded recently in Delhi, and drew football fans from the region living in the city. The tournament also showcased the region's football skills and their passion for the game. A fortnight long tournament was organized by Delhi-based Tangkhul Naga Society in collaboration with Ministry of DoNER and ONGC. The closing ceremony was graced by Olympic Medalist and member of Rajya Sabha, MC Mary Kom in the presence of Naveen Verma, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of DoNER, S. N. Pradhan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of DoNER, Ameising Luikham, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Ram Muivah, IAS, Secretary, North Eastern Council and other dignitaries from the region. "I feel very happy to see all the players and motivate others. Not only today but in the upcoming years also, I want to support them and motivate them. If they really eager to do something for the state and a nation, of course I'll be always ready to help them," said Mc Mary Kom, Olympic Medalist and Member of Rajya Sabha. The DoNER Ministry also played a major role for this tournament and tried to bring in as many clubs from the parts of the country as well. "One of my desires is to see crowd which is mixed because I always feel that there are more people from northeast here and we want to have that interaction. This year we tried to have an exhibition team from NCR club but maybe sometime we will have it. So that the champion team of this tournament can play with the exhibition match here," added Naveen Verma, Secretary, Ministry of DoNER. The event also marked the celebration of 'unity, friendship and sportmanship' among all communities in terms of sports, music and culture. "Looking back from the first year, the game has grown so much tremendously. You can from the crowd, the participation is intense and we are able to bring together all the northeast communities including the mainland people to watch this display of football. It has also brought us together because it is the game we love which is football. And girls and boys are participating with enthusiasm and quite a lot of talents are also been displayed in the field of culture," said Ameising Luikham, Advisor, TNSD and Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs. The closing ceremony saw performances from various music artists entertaining the football fans and kept them engaged. Remkimi Cherput, the winner of Mizo Idol 2014, charmed the audience with her thundering performances. Maring Naga Tribe also showcased and enthralled the audience with their beautiful war dance. The dance highlighted the valor of the Maring Naga tribe during the olden days. The final match between Muvanlai FC and Hornbill FC was kicked-off by Mary Kom, the chief guest of the event. Football fans cheered loudly for their respective teams and kept the players engaged in game in a good sportsmanship spirit. "In our team, we have few experienced footballers and most of the teammates are new, our team is a youth team. So, initially we had few problems but we sort it out and now helping each other and understanding each other so far. That's why we could able to reach final," said the beaming captain of Hornbill FC, Kabi Kabui. After a thrilling match which lasted more than two hours, Muvanlai FC retained the championship for the second consecutive year. The team won the tournament 8-7 after penalty shootout and took away a cash prize of Rs. five lakh and a trophy. 16 teams from across the northeast region participates the tournament. Such tournaments bring the people from the northeast region together and celebrate the unity, strength and togetherness. It also promotes the regions' talents and skills in sports. (ANI)