After the play ended in draw, with a scoreline of 1-1 at full time, the Sagolband United overcame YOSC Khurai in a penalty shoot out.
TFM Ukhrul Correspondnet
Sagolband United defeated Youth Organisation Sporting Club in a heart-wrenching penalty shootout to lift the coveted title of 30th edition of Shirui Lily Cup- National Level Football Tournament 2022-23.
After the play ended in draw, with a scoreline of 1-1 at full time, the Sagolband United overcame YOSC Khurai in a penalty shoot out. A record of 15 players from each team took the spot kick. 13 penalty takers from Sagolband United managed to find the net and 12 from YOSC Khurai. The winner walks away with Rs. 4 Lakh cash prize and runner-up with a cash prize of Rs. 2 Lakh.
For the individual award, the best scorer goes to Leishram Daniel Khuman of YOSC, the best goal keeper was awarded to Ricky Khundrakpam of Sagolband United, the man of the tournament goes to Tamthing of Sagolband United and the best referee was given to Th. Shyamson Singh.
The closing ceremony was attended by Thokchom Lokeshwar Singh, MLA of 1-Khundrakpam Assembly Constituency as Chief Guest and Preshow MK Shimray, President of Ukhrul District Olympic Association and Former Deputy Speaker of Manipur as Guest of Honour.
Speaking at the occasion, Thokchom Lokeshwar Singh stated that, “Shirui Lily Cup is the second oldest football tournament after CC Meet in Manipur. We all know that people of Ukhrul are passionate about sports, culture and oneness of Manipur. Because of that Ukhrul has been able to host the Shirui Lily Cup for the last so many years.”
Thokchom Lokeshwar Singh continues, “Not only sports or culture, but we also need to ponder upon our way of life. The road construction starting from Sawombung and leading to Ukhrul has shaken so long to be completed. The festival is coming, the rainy season is approaching, such a long highway cannot be completed in a day or two. Therefore, all the CSOs, individuals and all the honourable MLAs must come together and plan and think for a better road. It is the common people who suffer. Let us also support fully the war on drugs. If we are to succeed the war on drugs, we need to focus not only on arresting the peddlers but the kingpins. Unless the kingpin is arrested, we cannot do much on banning drugs in Manipur. Let us all work together to eradicate drug menace in Manipur.”
Preshow MK Shimray lauded the Organising Committee for the successful conduct of the tournament. It is indeed an opportunity to see Sagolband United and YOSC Khurai playing in the final. Both teams have come from different backgrounds, playing at the state and national level. Football for Ukhrul District is not a new thing. Football had been brought to Ukhrul by a missionary Rev. William Pettigrew through education. In the early 20s, the people of Ukhrul have shine at the state and national level. During 1947 and in the early 50s, the players from Ukhrul were admired throughout the state as well as in the nation. They give their best. Players like Mr. Fareng, Mr. Luikham, Shangam, Taram, Zingnim, Ramyo Zimik, Aleng Shimrah have left their imprint what football is for the people of Ukhrul. We have talent and physical postures, we have technique and everything that God has bestows upon us. So, to shine in the football, you have to work hard and maintain discipline and consistency has to be followed to come up to the national level. Those who strive and those who practice will not lack anything. Football for health football for wealth is the ultimate goal all over the world now.
During the progranme, Ngarin Shaiza of Hunphun and Lemmet Tangvah of Nungbi Khullen was felici
felicitated in recognition for their achievements in the sports of football. Ngarin Shaiza has represented India at the 2022 SAFF U-17 and 2022 AFC U-17 and Lemmet Tangvah was declared the best player at the 61st Subroto Cup U-17, 2022 and represented India at the 2023 AFC U-17 qualifiers. The 23 AIFF-E Certificate Course holders from Ukhrul were also acknowledged and felicitated.
President of UDSA, Alfred Kanngam Arthur, thanked MLA Thokchom Lokeshwar Singh and Preshow MK Shimray for attending the closing ceremony. He also expressed immense appreciation to the 12 clubs that participated in the tournament. He also expressed gratitude to SP Ukhrul, Ningshem Vashum, Commandant of 35 Assam Rifles, Col. Manoj Shinde, ADM Ukhrul, Chunglenmang Kipgen DFO Ukhrul, Shanngam Shaliwo EE PHED Ukhrul, Themreishang Marei EE PWD Ukhrul, Garnish Kashung, Dy. Commandant of 6th MR, Thotreithing Chalamva, DGM of MSPDCL Ukhrul, Akui L Shimray, CMO of Ukhrul, Dr. Kapangring A Shimray, Ukhrul Fire Department and the people of Ukhrul for their support in making the tournament a success.
One of the main attractions besides the football final match was the performance of guitar piece by Imnainla Jamir from Nagaland. The guitar maestro from Nagaland strum Tangkhul Anthem and other songs, much to the delight of the crowd.
Imnainla Jamir got Ukhrul rocking by her superb performance. Performances by fame Tangkhul artists Chonchon Varah, Yursari N. Kasomwoshi and Yarshim Wungsek added more colour to the closing ceremony. Around 5000 football lovers from across the state witnessed the final match played today at Ukhrul