TCSA wins Rajiv Gandhi Memorial Football Tournament

FOOTBALL is a passion for the people of North East India. Even Delhi’s scorching heat could not deter young North East footballers, who played tirelessly from morning till evening for three consecutive days. The Rajiv Gandhi Memorial Football Tournament for Northeast Students of Delhi University concluded on Wednesday evening, 28 August 2013.

The closing ceremony was graced by Oscar Fernandes, Union Cabinet Minister for Transport, Roads and Highways, along with U.R. Sabhapathi, former MLA from Udupi, Karnataka. Fernandes praised the sporting talent of North East students, saying, “North East students are very talented in games and sports.”

The much-anticipated final match was officially opened by Oscar Fernandes, who kicked the ball to mark the start of the game. The teams then took their positions, ready to battle fiercely for the trophy.

TCSA Triumphs Over NESS

Defending champions TCSA (Tedim Chin Students Association) defeated NESS (North East Students Society) by 2-0 at Chhatrasal Stadium. Mang Sian Piang Sukte and Michael S. Chongthu each scored a goal for TCSA. Despite their best efforts, NESS could not score, and the match ended with TCSA securing their second consecutive title. Last year, they defeated the same group, which now competes as NESS.

Though NESS played well as a team, they could not match TCSA’s strength. TCSA’s strikers took every opportunity to score, which led to their victory.

Road to the Finals

In the semi-finals, two strong teams, Golngai United (a team of Kuki players) and RAMSA (a team of Manipuri students), were eliminated:

• TCSA defeated RAMSA 2-0
• NESS edged past Golngai United 5-4

In the quarter-finals:

• Golngai United beat Acrobat 1-0
• NESS won against KSO 2-0
• TCSA defeated Tahchapa FC 4-2
• RAMSA overcame ZFC 1-0

Prize Distribution

NSUI National President Rohit Chaudhary and his team attended the final match and presented the prizes:

• TCSA received the Champions Trophy and Rs 21,000 in cash.
• NESS finished second and won Rs 11,000.
• Thanggoulun Haokip (TCSA) was awarded Best Player and received Rs 1,500.

Participation and Impact

This year, 30 teams took part, including Acrobat, Thunder Strike, NE Society Satyawati College, AL Ameen FC, Golngai United FC, Seven Sister (RLA), Gimney FC, Kangla Club, Zakir Hussain, NESS, Ke Thoh Boyz, Young Pillar College, UEF Team, KSO, Deuteronomy, SGTB Khalso NE Team, KSFC, Shivaji Gunners, Baga, TCSA, ZFC, Young Boys Team, All Star FC, Tahchapa FC, 34th Pirate, ZSP FC, Bullets, RAMSA, Arunachal Warriors, and DCAC.

 

The tournament was dominated by teams from Manipur, with all the finalists and semi-finalists coming from the state.

Last year, only 10-12 teams participated, but the tournament has grown significantly. Organised by the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), it provides a great platform for young footballers from the North East. If Indian football clubs scouted these talents, more North East players could get opportunities at the national level. 

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

 

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