The opening ceremony of DC Chandel Trophy Football Tournament 2021, organised by District Sports Association (DSA) Chandel, was held at Mini-Sports Complex, Chandel Christian village on Wednesday.
Deputy commissioner, Chandel, Mayanglambam Rajkumar; superintendent of Police, Chandel, L Deben Singh; commandant 18 Assam Rifles, Chandel, colonel Ajit Khatri, and commandant 8 BN, Manipur Rifles, Chandel, S Somorjit Singh attended the programme as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
The grand opening ceremony was also attended by various DLOs, leaders from civil gropus, Naga chief association, tribe leaders, village chief, host village, pastors, artistes and team members of Royal Riders Chandel.
Vice president, DSA Chandel, Hl Lovingson Anal welcomed all the VIPs, special invitees, guest and members who have come to attain the opening ceremony.
President, district sports association Chandel, Ts Chamna Anal in his presidential speech appreciated the present deputy commisioner of Chandel, M Rajkumar and all the DLOs for their support and cooperation to revive the DC Trophy in 2021 after years of defunct period since 2005.
He also acknowledged the support from host Chandel Christian village, youth clubs leaders under DSA Chandel, referees and all well-wishers for their kind support.
Colonel Ajit Khatri in his speech emphasised that he is honoured to be part of this auspicious football event in the district.
S Somorjit appreciated DSA Chandel for taking a bold step to push football to a higher level. Sport is important from education and discipline in particular, he said.
He encouraged the youths to convert football from playing with passion to professional goals. Make it professional and attempt to climb the ladder with discipline and commitment, he reiterated. “Will be happy to share 8 MR Ground Leikun if need be by DSA, Chandel,” he concluded.
Mayanglambam Rajkumar appreciated DSA Chandel for taking up the initiative to revive and relaunch DC Trophy in 2021. Games and sports bring out the true spirit of competition. He encouraged the organisers and the participating teams “to make the event more eventful in a true competitive spirit.”
The image of a true sportsperson is very important in life. Hard work and clean effort is very important for any true sportsperson. The world has seen the good and ugly side of sports. The best is to remain clean and work with sincerity and true sportsman spirit.
The friendly football cum exhibition match kick-off between DC XI and DSA XI ended in a draw with 1-1 on the scoreboard.
The opening ceremony match between Chandonpokpi YFC and Hnatham SC went in favour of Chandonpokpi YFC defeating Hnatham SC by 3-1.
The goals were scored by Th Phalin (42 minute), Kh Obed (49) and Th Thaodien (54) for Chandonpokpi while Moliver (82 minute) scored for Hnatham.
