7th North East Tamchon Football Trophy kicks off in Delhi

New Delhi, Nov 17, 2013 — The prestigious football tournament for Northeasterners in the national capital commenced with grandeur at Dr. Ambedkar Stadium on Saturday (Nov 16) evening. The glittering opening ceremony was graced by Dr. Meinya Thokchom, MP (Lok Sabha) from Manipur, as the chief guest, and Sandeep Goel, Joint Commissioner of Police, Delhi, as the guest of honour. Several distinguished officers and personalities from the Northeast region attended the event, alongside hundreds of spectators who gathered to witness the much-anticipated tournament. The competition will continue until November 30.

Inaugural match between Zeliangrong FC & SSPP FC along with Chief Guest,
Guest of Honour and officials.  - BKT

The 7th North East Trophy Football Tournament, organized by the Tangkhul Naga Society Delhi (TNSD), is supported by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Ministry of DoNER, North Eastern Council (NEC), and the Ministry of Home Affairs. It is co-sponsored by ONGC, Oil India Limited, and COSCO.

The event commenced with the flag hoisting by TNSD president Ram Muivah, IAS, followed by a series of captivating performances. Popular Northeast singers, including Fiona Pachuau, mesmerized the audience with the tournament's theme song, Go Light Your World, while Christie Vunggohching, Roslyn Hmar, and Kaka performed special numbers. Donny J and his group entertained the crowd with energetic songs and dances, and Tripura’s famous Lebong dance added a unique cultural touch. The lively hosting by Lumpem Vashum and Theimila Marchang further enhanced the celebratory atmosphere.

In his address, Ram Muivah emphasized the tournament’s motto: Fair Play, Unity, Friendship, and Understanding. He highlighted the significance of the event, noting, “The North East communities are fortunate to have the presence of a respected leader like Dr. Meinya.” 

A total of 16 teams from the Northeast states are competing in this two-week-long tournament. The teams are divided into four groups, and a total of 32 matches will be played. The quarterfinals are scheduled for November 25, the semifinals on November 28, and the third-place and final matches will take place on November 30 during the closing ceremony.

“All eight Northeast states are represented in the tournament, with two teams invited from each state,” said Ngaranmi Shimray, chairman of the organizing committee.

The winning team will receive the championship trophy, along with a cash prize of Rs 5 lakhs, medals, and certificates. The trophy can be permanently claimed by any team that wins it consecutively for three years. The first and second runners-up will receive Rs 3 lakhs and Rs 1 lakh, respectively, along with medals and certificates. Additionally, each quarterfinalist team will be awarded a consolation prize of Rs 20,000.

Shimray also announced that five or six individual awards will be given, including Best Goalkeeper, Best Player (Man of the Tournament/Top Scorer), Best Striker, Best Defender, Best Midfielder, and Best Discipline Team (Fair Play Award). The tournament entry fee is set at Rs 10,000 per team.

This annual tournament is held in memory of the late RN Tamchon, ACP, Delhi Police, organized by the Tangkhul Naga Society Delhi. Tamchon, an DANIPS officer from Khadang village in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, served as Additional Commissioner of Police in Delhi for nine years before his untimely passing in 2006. Following his death, his wife, Valleygreen, joined Delhi Police as a Sub-Inspector. The couple, married in 1997, shared a deep bond and left behind two children.

Speaking to our correspondent, Valleygreen expressed her gratitude, saying, “It is heartwarming to see my husband’s memory honored through this tournament, even though I have little to offer.” Many attendees fondly recalled Tamchon’s contributions, emphasizing his unwavering support for the Northeast community in Delhi.

Dr. Meinya Thokchom lauded TNSD’s efforts in organizing the Tamchon Trophy, stating, “Football unites people, and this initiative is a fitting tribute to Tamchon’s legacy.” He encouraged players to develop character, morality, and discipline, adding that T. Ao, a football legend from the Northeast, once captained the Indian national team.

During the inaugural ceremony, all participating teams lined up on the field for the oath-taking, led by their captains, followed by an inspection of the opening match by the chief guest and guest of honour.

The evening’s excitement reached its peak as the guest of honor kicked off the first match under the stadium floodlights. The opening clash featured defending champions Zeliangrong FC against SSPP FC. The game started with Zeliangrong FC dominating possession but failing to score in the first half. SSPP FC launched aggressive attacks in the second half but struggled to break through Zeliangrong’s defense.

In the 50th minute, Gaingamlung Kamei scored the opening goal for Zeliangrong FC. Just eight minutes later, he delivered a stunning long-range shot, sailing past the SSPP goalkeeper to secure a second goal. Despite SSPP FC’s determined efforts, they were unable to recover, and Zeliangrong FC clinched a 2-0 victory.

Group Stage Lineups:

• Group A: Zeliangrong FC, Chandel United FC, SSPP (Siamsinpawlpi) FC, Muvanlai Athletics.

• Group B: Hmar FC, FC Zogene, Sikkim Gambos FC, United Rhino FC.

• Group C: Kangleicha Sanaroi Lup (KSL) FC, Arunachal FC, Wung United, Delhi Mizo FC.

• Group D: Tripura (TSFD) FC, Garo Warrior FC, Barhungkha FC (Bodo), ASUD FC.

With such an exhilarating start, the 7th North East Trophy Football Tournament promises to deliver intense competition, camaraderie, and a celebration of Northeast talent and culture.

~ BRUCE K. THANGKHAL
THE MIZORAM POST | MANIPUR CHRONICLE | ZOGAM TODAY

Share: