The most awaited District League 2022 kickstarted on Friday at Ukhrul Headquarters. A total of 11 football clubs are participating in the District League 2022.
TFM Ukhrul Correspondent
District League 2022, organised by Ukhrul District Sports Association (UDSA) under the aegis of All Manipur Football Association (AMFA) kickstarted on Friday at Ukhrul Headquarters.
Ngaraipam Kasomwoshi, senior UDSA member and former football players attended the opening ceremony as Chief Guest. The opening ceremony was also attended by General Secretary of AMFA, L. Jyotirmoy Roy along with Executive Members of AMFA, Karam Kashi, K. Somo and RK. Momo.
Ngaraipam Kasomwoshi while hoisting the flag lauded the initiative of UDSA in reviving football at district level and national level. He categorically mentioned that “the National Level – Shirui Lily Football Tournament, the second oldest football tournament in Manipur was revived by the present team of UDSA after a gap of more than 10 years.” It is worth mentioning that National Level- Shirui Lily Football Tournament was elapsed for 10 years for lack of sporting infrastructure and sponsorship. It was revived again in 2021.
President of UDSA, Alfred Kanngam Arthur (Ex-MLA of 44-Ukhrul AC) in his presidential speech appealed the gathering to perform their duty sincerely and honestly for the greater development of the society. He expressed immnese graritude to AMFA and Manipur Santosh Trophy Team for their support in promoting football in the district. “Today’s exhibition match is between the best team of Manipur and Tangkhul, it is a great step in promoting football and I am grateful to AMFA and Manager Thangjam Ibotombi Singh and Coach Gift Raikhan.” Alfred Kanngam Arthur wishes best of luck to all the participating clubs and urged to show the trur spirit of sportsmanship.
As a gesture of appreciation, the official of AMFA and players of Manipur XI were presented with traditional Tangkhul muffler by the UDSA.
As part of promoting football in Ukhrul District, an exhibition match was played between star studded Manipur Santosh Trophy Team (Manipur XI) vs Tangkhul XI. The match ended in 1-1. Hundreds of football lovers came and witnessed the exhibition match. The exhibition match was live telecast by The Tangkhul Express in their YouTube channel.
A total of 11 teams will be participating in the football league. The league matches will be played only on Fridays and Sarurdays. The league matches will wind up on August 12, 2022.