Imphal, May 2 (EMN): In a move to encourage young boys and girls to develop their inherent talent in the field of football to achieve the aim of “Mission XI Million Football Players”, the “OORJA” Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) U-19 Talent Hunt Football Tournament 2017, started at Khuman Lampak main stadium, Imphal on Monday.
The 10 day tournament is organised by IGAR (South) in association with All Manipur Football Association and State Sports department, under the aegis of All India Police Sports Control Board, and is an initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a prelude to the U-17 FIFA World Cup to be held in New Delhi in October, 2017.
Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla and Deputy Chief Minister Y Joykumar besides officers of IG Assam Rifles (South) were the chief guest and guests of honour at the opening function.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor said boys and girls of Manipur have excelled in games and sports bringing numerous laurels from national and international tournaments thus getting the sobriquet “Power House” of sports. On the other hand stating that there is lack of quality football in the state comparing to other North East states, Deputy CM, Y Joykumar expressed the need to build a football ground in each district to encourage the youths to join the sports of football in the state.
Olympiad L Sarita Devi, International football players P Rennedy and O Bembem were also present in the opening ceremony along with Civil and Top Police officials. P Rennedy and O Bembem rendered oath to the participants of the tournament.
The tournament, which had its curtain raiser on April 28, is scheduled to be held in 3 phases – State level, Zonal Level and National Level will select promising players to represent India at the Asian Championship and also to recruit them in the CAPF.
The winner of the tournament will be given a running trophy along with a cash prize of Rs 50,000/- each to the girls and boys team in the name of the international players. Kangchup Road Youth Physical Sports Association (KRYPHSA) won the opening match against Eastern Sporting Union (ESU) with 4 goals. The tournament which kicks off today will continue till 10th of this month with a total of eight (8) girls and boys team taking part.
