OYAN, Dec 19: The second edition of the Siang Cup Football Tournament got off to a glittering start at the Donyi Polo Tea Estate (DPTE) football ground here in East Siang district on Wednesday with much fanfare and enthusiasm.
Addressing the inaugural function, Ilam Chai Wari Pvt Ltd (Nepal) vice president Robin Banarjee said it should be the people’s endeavour to promote the value of girl child.
“She is woman, and is also someone’s sister, daughter and future wife and mother,” Banarjee said, highlighting the role of women in the society and within the family for peace, prosperity and development.
He cited the examples of a few successful women in the field of sports, like Mary Kom and PT Usha.
Organized by the Donyi Polo Mission in collaboration with the Soccer Foundation of India, the aim of the tournament is to tap hidden talents, especially among girl children, said organizing committee chairperson Mone Apang.
“We have successfully organized the first edition of the tournament, where five members got the opportunity to participate in the U-19 soccer tournament held in Denmark in 17 August,” Mone said.
“This time also, the winner will be given opportunity to play in the Doon Cup,” she said, adding that experienced coaches from Dubai and Assam are taking part in the tournament and coaching and grooming the young players.
She thanked the locals and parents for extending support and encouraging the children.
All Manipur Mukna Association executive committee member Khomdram Gulapi Singh also attended.
Future Generation (NGO) chairman Omak Apang, Donyi Polo Mission secretary H Sharma, local and public leaders, among others, were also present on the occasion.
Twelve teams from the district, including two from Mekang and DPTE, and teams from Sille, Pasighat, Boleng, Pame and others are participating in the tournament.
