Singjamei FC were crowned the champion of the 3rd Nilakuthi Football Foundation (NIFF) Trophy 9 Men A-Side Open Tournament defeating Mongjam FC 3-0 on Monday at the NYC ground Nilakuthi in Imphal East.
Organised by the NIFF, the tournament was participated by 16 teams.
The closing event of the tournament was attended by Imphal East Adhyaksa P Bimola as chief guest who distributed prizes - a cash award of Rs. 1 lakh with trophy and citation to the winning team Singjamei FC and cash reward of Rs. 60,000, trophy and citations to the runners up team - Mongjam FC.
Addressing the closing ceremony, P Bimola encouraged the young players to be international players someday, stating that all players from the state began from local clubs and only reached high level after hard work and dedication.
She also expressed concerns and termed it unfortunate that youths, at a very tender age, start getting into drugs in the state, and suggested proper guidance of the youths to stay away from drugs.
Pointing out that many of the state youths have already started imitating the culture of advanced countries without proper knowledge thus leading to the degradation of their moralities and behaviours, she also stressed the need of parents and guardians to motivate their wards to adopt Manipur Culture.
The closing function of the football tournament also witnessed advisor of NYC Ngangom Premjit and social worker N Rajendro as presidium members.
