8th North East Tamchon Football Trophy Kicks Off in Delhi

Defending Champion Hmar FC Draws Against Hornbill FC

New Delhi, Nov 18, 2014:  The 8th North-East Tamchon Football Tournament began with much enthusiasm at Dr. Ambedkar Stadium on Tuesday evening, November 18. The event was marked by a glittering opening ceremony, graced by Ranjit Thomas, Advocate General of Arunachal Pradesh, as the chief guest, and Alok Kumar, IPS, Special Commissioner of Delhi Police, as the guest of honour.

Organized by the Tangkhul Naga Society Delhi (TNSD), the tournament runs under the theme of “Fairplay, Unity, Friendship, and Understanding.”

The grand event kicked off with the hoisting of the flag by the chief guest, followed by the theme song, Go Light Your World, performed by a choir representing five tribes—Hmar, Poumei, Rongmei, Paite, and Tangkhul.

Before the match commenced, soulful performances were delivered by Blending Chords, Chochon Varah, and Christy Vunggohching. The crowd was also treated to mesmerizing cultural performances, including the Pung-Cholom dance by the Manipuri Cultural Troupe and the Bamboo Dance by the Hmar Cultural Troupe.

In his speech, officiating TNSD president Dr. Yuiringam Awungshi emphasized the tournament's goal of uniting the Northeast not only through football but also through the display of cultural dances and songs.

Chief guest Ranjit Thomas praised the organizing committee and expressed optimism about the future of the Northeast, calling it the “Jewel of India.”

Yugal Kishore Sharma, President of Delhi Dynamos FC, attended the event with his team, announcing that Delhi Dynamos would be partnering with the Tamchon tournament winner. Sharma also revealed that Delhi Dynamos had begun sponsoring the defending champions, Hmar FC, earlier in the year and pledged continued sponsorship for the team that emerges victorious.

A total of 16 teams from the Northeast are competing in the tournament, which will conclude on November 29. The champions will take home the trophy along with a cash prize of Rs 5 lakhs, medals, and certificates. The trophy will be permanently awarded to any team that wins three consecutive years. The runners-up will receive Rs 3 lakhs, while the third-place team will be awarded Rs 2 lakhs.

The tournament has been held annually since 2007 in memory of late RN Tamchon, an Additional Commissioner of Police who served in Delhi for nine years. RN (Ramnganing) Tamchon, from Khadang village in Ukhrul district of Manipur, passed away in 2006, leaving behind his wife, Valleygreen, and two young children. His wife later joined the Delhi Police as a Sub Inspector.

After the participating teams took their oath, administered by Hmar FC captain Ngurneilal, the chief guest, guest of honour, and officials inspected the players of Hmar FC and Hornbill FC (Nagaland).

The inaugural match between Hmar FC and Hornbill FC kicked off at 7:25 PM. Hmar FC dominated much of the first half, but despite several attempts, no goals were scored. In the 20th minute, Akhonmei (Jersey No. 7) of Hornbill FC netted the first goal, giving his team a 1-0 lead going into halftime.

In the second half, Hornbill FC continued to press, but Hmar FC managed to control the ball and created numerous chances. According to Hmar FC coach James Sanate, his team missed at least four clear goal-scoring opportunities. Hornbill FC also threatened with three or four shots, but their efforts were not converted.

In the 51st minute, Hmar FC’s Samuel R. Hmar (Jersey No. 4) scored with a powerful strike from the right corner, equalizing the game. Despite strong play from both sides, the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal
The Mizoram Post | The Northeast Today | Zogam Today

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