Zogal Memorial Shield Tournament 2015: Final Match

Bungmual YC defeated Zenhang Lamka YC by 1 Goal

 

IN REMEMBRANCE of the Zou brave warriors who deadly resisted against the British in 1917-1919, the Zogal Memorial Shield Tournament was conducted at Lamka Public Ground in Churachandpur District from May 23, 2015 to June 20, 2015. A total of 24 teams participated in this tournament organised by Churachandpur District Sports Association (CDSA) and sponsored by United Zou Organisation (UZO), Manipur.   In simple word ‘Zogal’ means “Enemy of Zou” or “Zou War Against British”.

Mr Vungzagin Valte, Parliamentary Secretary (Horticulture, Soil Conservation & CADA), Govt of Manipur and Mr Langkhanpau Guite, Chairman (caretaker) of Autonomous District Council (ADC), Churachandpur graced the occasion as the chief guest and guest of honour in the presence of Ms Mannuamching, MCS, Chief Executive Officer, ADCC/CCpur, Mr L Mangkhogin, IPS, Superintendent of Police, CCpur, and Mr Chinlunthang, President of UZO Manipur.  ADC Chandel chairman Mr Sesei Zou could not grace as the chief host due to official reason but has donated Rs 50,000/- to the organiser.

 

Speaking as the chief guest, Mr Vungzagin Valte said that our ZO forefathers fought the British to prevent our lands for two years, 1917-1919.  “As the way our forefathers protect and safeguard our land, does our today generation save it, after the passing of 96 years”.

The guest of honour Mr Langkhanpau Guite paid due respect to the past ZO warriors who lost their lives in the hands of the British during the Zogal. He said that the independent elected members of District Council have collectively formed Hill Peoples’ Alliance (HPA) wherein any MDC irrespective of party can join the Alliance. For the greater benefits of the whole district of Churachandpur, this party has been formed. This was also supported and favoured by the United Peoples Front.

UZO president Mr Chinlunthang expressed that the love of football is visible in our district, even the public were enthusiastic to see the game, that is why we have seen a big development in football. Today youths must try hard to get into national and international arena.

 

BACKGROUND

Zogal Memorial Shield was introduced on 19 October 1976 in memory of the brave Zou tribesmen who fought against the British during 1917-1919 to protect the Zoland (land and inhabited by the Zou tribe).

 

During the 1st World War worsened, the British forcefully recruited the Zous for force labour which led to the declaration of guerrilla warfare against the White imperialists by the Zou people. Zou is an indigenous people inhabiting the southern part of Manipur and part of Chandel district, Manipur. 

 

The Zogal is also recorded as Kuki Rebellion (1917-1919) by the British. Even Sir Robert Reid, the then Governor of Assam, mentioned the Zogal (Kuki Rebellion) in his book ‘The History of the Frontier Areas bordering on Assam from 1883-1941’ as: “The most serious incident in the history of Manipur and its relations with its Hill subjects was the Kuki rebellion … it cost 28 lakhs of rupees to quell, and in the course of it many lives were lost”.

 

Many of the Zou leaders were killed by the British and let to the shedding of many bloods during the war. Zou leaders like Pu Goulun, Pu Langzagin, Pu Lagou, Pu Tonghau, Pu Henkham, Pu Vungdam, Pu Suohgou, Pu Helthang, Pu Lampum, Pu Suohkham and Pu Salet surrendered at Hiangtam Village (Singngat sub-divn, CCpur) in 1919. Another 10 men has been imprisoned by a special tribunal. 

Zogal Day is usually observed by the Zous on 17 March since 1996.  The first Zogal Memorial Shield was held in Tuaitengphai Village wayback in 1976 in which Amthong Daijang Club won the trophy. The tournament was held yearly in Tuining, Daijang, Singngat, Behiang, and Zomun Village till the year 1994. Thereafter ZMS was in a defunct-type. It was re-introduced this year.

 

FINAL MATCH

The much-awaited final match of Zogal Memorial Shield 2015 kicked off in Lamka Public Ground after singing the anthem of UZO followed by the prayer of Rev Hangpi Manlun.

 

The day witnessed one of the biggest crowds ever. Thousands of people flocked together here from all over the corners to watch the talk of the town.

 

Bungmual Youth Club (BYC) has three national players namely, David KC Ngaihte, Jamkhansiam @ Siam Hanghal and Udanta. Zenhang Lamka Youth Club (ZLYC) also has stars like captain Phungtanlian and Henry Thanglalmuan. It was unpredictable game of the match!

 

ZYLC fans came with a big drum, drumming vociferously while BYC turned out with flags and posters, with even painted colours on their faces, and cheeks, supporting their team. Though the only and popular ground in Lamka town looks like a dry desert, unfit for football match, yet there is no way out. Ministers, government officials and politicians need to relook on the poor condition of this ground, which is not fit at all for the famous game. Many people, who could not get space in the ground, scaled up tall trees and roofs to watch the most ever-talk of the town.

 

In the 1^st half, Zenhang LYC captain Phungtanlian cut from left side which went wide over Bungmual YC goal. Siam Hanghal kicked one corner which went straight to ZLYC goal, the goalie caught it easily. That was an amazing corner kicked which raises all the eyebrows.

During the match both side of the fans and supporters were armed with drums, banners and posters massively cheering their players. There were wild cries and heavy sounds which polluted the surroundings.

 

The top scorer (10 goals) William Pauliankhum of ZLYC got a chance of free kick, but dashed-off over the goalpost by BYC goalie like as quickly as a cat. Both sides made several attempts, but no one achieve. Zenhang Lamka YC slightly dominated Bungmual YC. However it ended in goal less.

 

Soon after the 2^nd half kicked off, Bungmual YC captain grabbed a chance in the left-corner area of Zenhang LYC goal. With his urgency, the captain kicked the ball but caught by ZLYC goalie.

 

An astonishing moment occurred in the later part when BYC got a free kick. Siam Hanghal took the free kick from a long distance which went straight towards the goalpost, the goalie of ZLYC slabbed away and hit slightly on the side goalpost bouncing towards the D-box where David Ngaihte suddenly pumped the ball into the goal net.  Fans and supported erupted in joy. This was in 89^th minute. Even the newly elected Member of District Council (MDC) Mr CT Lian Guite, a famous social activist, began jumping in the air jubilantly along with Bungmual fans. Though Zenhang Lamka YC once again pulled up their strength and muscles, no attempt succeeded. The corner kick from ZLYC which hit on BYC goalpost came to be the biggest missed and won’t erase easily from their memories. ZLYC slightly dominated BYC yet can’t score the goal. Finally the referee blew the whistle, it must be the happiest moments for Bungmual Youth Club and fans, who burst out joyfully. 

 

Bungmual YC took away the Champion’s Trophy (shield) + Rs 1 lakh + certificate while Zenhang Lamka YC took the Runners-up Trophy (shield) + Rs 50,000 + certificate.

 

Zenhang LYC captain Phungtanlian received Best Player award, scoring 10 goals William Pauliankhum of ZLYC received Golden Booth (Top Scorer) award, Raju Lhumpu of BYC got Best Goal Keeper award, and Molnom Youth Club received Best Discipline Team award. The Semi-finalists Ganggam Sporting Club and Youth Club of Pearsonmun also received awards.

 

Man of the Match (Best Player) in 1st Qtr Final is Phungtanlian, ZLYC; 2nd Qtr Final: Goal Keeper, MSYC; 3rd Qtr Final: Henry Gangte, GSC; 4th Qtr Final: Minlun, YCP; 1st Semi-Final: Malsawm, ZLYC; and 2nd Semi-Final: Siam Hanghal, BYC.

 

In the quarter-finals, Zenhang Lamka Youth Club (ZLYC), Youth Club of Pearsonmun (YCP), Bungmual Youth Club (BYC) and Ganggam Soccers Club (GSC) defeated their opponents to march into the semi-finals. ZLYC met YCP in the first semi-final while BYC played with Ganggam in the second semi-final.

 

The final match was very much lively due to the presence of efficient commentator, Mr Mang Taithul, who had come from Pune, also received a token of appreciation.

 

“Hip, Hip, Hurray!” shouted the champion team along their way to home. They were accorded with grand reception at Bungmual Village.

~  BRUCE K. THANGKHAL

(The Mizoram Post | Manipur Chronicle | Zogam Today | Satya Desh Hindi Magazine)

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