Phoenix FC win GBC Youth Ministry football tournament in Kiphire

KIPHIRE — The Gorkha Baptist Church (GBC) Youth Ministry, Kiphire, in collaboration with the National Tobacco Control Programme Cell, Kiphire, organised a two-day football tournament on July 16 and 17 at the Kohri Arena in Kiphire.

The tournament was held on the theme "Play with passion. Compete with integrity. Glorify God" aimed to promote sportsmanship, Christian fellowship, and unity among the youth of the Kiphire district.

A total of 11 teams participated in the two-day tournament. Following a series of competitive matches, Phoenix FC and Abide FC advanced to the grand finale. In the championship match, Phoenix FC defeated Abide FC 3-1 to emerge as the tournament champions, while Abide FC finished as the runners-up.

During the inaugural, the guest of honour, Sub-Treasury Officer Shanti Gurung, appreciated the Gorkha Baptist Church Youth Ministry, the National Tobacco Control Programme Cell, and the organising committee for conducting the tournament for the youth and people of Kiphire district.

She remarked that the event was not merely a football competition but also an opportunity to strengthen fellowship among churches and promote unity through sports. She encouraged all participating players to play with discipline, respect, integrity, and a spirit of sportsmanship.

An exhortation was delivered by Apongse, President of the Kiphire District Football Association, who encouraged the players to uphold discipline, teamwork, integrity, and true sportsmanship while reflecting Christian values.

The programme was also addressed by Dr. Zioba T Sangtam, dental surgeon, who encouraged the players to pursue sports with dedication and discipline. He urged them to make sports a lifelong passion rather than remaining seasonal players and encouraged them to become role models of true sportsmanship. He also noted that commitment to sports can open opportunities to support families and build successful careers.