The 4th FutGal - Girls Football Tournament, 2023, which kicked off on February 9 concluded on Saturday at Saikul block ground.
The tournament was organised by InSIDE-North East, in collaboration with Saikul Hill Town Youth Club, under the aegis of All Saikul Football Association (ASFA). The FutGal was played under 3 values viz. Care, Respect, Kindness (CRK).
The closing ceremony of the tournament was graced by Thangkam Lupheng, Ex-MDC, Sadar Hills ADC; Hoisochong Kilong, Social Entrepreneur, and Thangcha Khongsai, Business Entrepreneur as Chief Guest, Guest of Honor, and Functional President respectively.
Thangkam Lupheng, who is also advisor to ASFA, assured all support to girls' football and exhorted all the players to play with a game spirit and with professionalism.
He stated that girls have better opportunities than boys when it comes to football as a career.
Hejang Misao, Director InSIDE-North East, said that the main reason behind organising the tournament was to create a platform for girls to believe in themselves and assert their rights - let their voices be heard and let them make their own choice.
He continued that so far, FutGal has produced 15 girls who are presently playing in different clubs in Manipur.
He further mentioned that from next year, FutGal will be an open girls' tournament.
Bilei FC walked away with the champion’s trophy and a cash prize of Rs 50,000 while A Geljang FC took the runner-up trophy with a cash prize of Rs 30,000.
The Best Player award went to Mangpineng Khongsai of Nungka FC while Best Goal Keeper went to Lhingpineng of Nungka FC. Lhingboichong Khongsai of Bilei FC bagged the top scorer award and Lamboichong of Saijang FC bagged the Emerging Player award while Khajang FC was awarded the best Discipline team.
