In his presidential address, UDSA president Alfred Kanngam Arthur (MLA) stated that “reviving of Shirui Lily Football Tournament is to re-invigorate the true essence of oneness and living togetherness through promoting sporting activities with the rest of our people.”
TFM Ukhrul Correspondent
Dr Somi Sareo, football promoter declared the 29th Edition of Shirui Lily 2021- National Level Football Tournament open at Ukhrul Headquarters. Senior members of Ukhrul District Sports Association (UDSA), YL Crawford, Kangrei Vasha, S Barring, Raishim Ragui, Yangkahao Pheiray and Amatuer Zingkhai were the special guests of the Opening Ceremony. The football tournament is organised by Ukhrul District Sports Association (UDSA) under the aegis of All Manipur Football Association (AMFA).
In his presidential address, UDSA president Alfred Kanngam Arthur (MLA) stated that “reviving of Shirui Lily Football Tournament is to re-invigorate the true essence of oneness and living togetherness through promoting sporting activities with the rest of our people.”
Alfred Kanngam Arthur urged the Tangkhul community to continue extending their warm and generous hospitality to all guest visitors partaking in the tournament.
He also called for progressive and inclusive development in all fields so as to pave forward towards a new horizon. Saying that sport gives us a clearer picture on various perspectives on healthy living, a sense of common responsibility at large, Alfred Kanngam Arthur urged all the participating teams for fair play, fair play in a sense give your best play not merely display of your sporting skill.
Co-Chairman, Organising Committee of Shirui Lily Cup 2021, Somipam Lungleng narrated the brief history about the Shirui Lily Football Tournament. He informed that Shirui Lily Cup Football Tournament was first organised in 1973 and after 35 years, it was upgraded to National-Level Football Tournament in 2008. Shirui Lily Cup is the second oldest football tournament next to CC Meet.
He went on to mention after 2011, Shirui Lily Football Tournament was elapsed for 10 years for lack of sporting infrastructure and sponsorship.
UDSA also felicitated three ISL football players from Tangkhul community, Wungayam Muirang, first ISL player from Tangkhul community presently playing for Bengaluru FC, Hormipam Ruivah of Kerala Blasters and Chanso Horam of Mumbai City FC and also to Shingnaisui Shanthing, the lone lady referee from Ukhrul District.
Before the kick off football match, two minutes silence was observed in remembrance of 51 deceased members of UDSA.
In the opening match, United Brother FC fell 2 goals to nil against Phungyar FC. Khangatar Tungshang (Jersey No. 11) struck the first goal in 18 minutes and Thotmayung Hungyo (Jersey No. 11) scored the second goal for United Brother FC in 89 minutes. Altogether 10 football teams, including two from outside the state Shillong Lajong FC and New Market FC, will be participating in the tournament. A total of 2,000 football lovers attended the opening ceremony. Performances by Shirui Village and Tangkhul artist Chonchon Varah added more colour to the event.
KLASA FC will meet Pasi FC on November 25, 2021. NACO and AIM will meet on November 26, 2021. The ongoing tournament is being LIVE telecast in YouTube channel in collaboration with The Tangkhul Express.
The Organising Committee appealed to the bandh enforcers to give safe passage to teams who will be travelling from Imphal to Ukhrul for participating in the tournament.