New Delhi [India]: The Northeast has already set a benchmark in sports by producing many skilled and potential sportspersons for the national and international arenas.
The northeast region has become the new football powerhouse in India.
The region has produced many football stars such as Bhaichung Bhutia, Sunil Chetri and Jeje Lalpekhlua.
To nurture and give exposure to youngsters with football potential, the 10th ONGC NE Tamchon Tournament being played at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi, has emerged as an event where they can showcase their dribbling skills.
The fortnight-long tournament has been organised by the Tangkhul Naga Society Delhi in collaboration with ONGC.
The opening ceremony saw several hundred football fans from the northeast region living in Delhi and other parts of the country giving their encouragement to the players.
“So far, as I recollect, there are around 3000 players which have played in this tournament and out of which, there are hundreds of players which are playing in elite football clubs of this country. We are proud that lots of encouragement, cooperation and support are there from the government side as well as from the private sector. We like to nurture and exposed the talents of the northeast youth. We have no dearth in talents so far as a sport is concerned,” said M C Worthing, President, TNSD.
“It is special to us in the sense that this is the 10th ONGC tournament. So far, as I recollect, there are around 3000 players who have played in this tournament. Today, there are hundreds of players playing for elite football clubs in this country, “Worthing added.
Music artistes, dance troupes, martial art experts provided additional excitement to spectators.
The showpiece of the tournament was the match between defending champions Muvanlai and Ukhrul United FC.
“With this kind of tournament and functions, people might get to know us better and about our culture,” said Ngahanpam Haorei, a spectator.
Sixteen teams are participating in the tournament to secure a place in the finals.
The winner will be given a cash prize of rupees five lakh, while the runners up will get rupees three lakhs.
“I feel great that UUFC fans are supporting us. It makes me feel very great and thank you. Muvanlai FC is a very good team and I hope we will make it better next time,” said a beaming Mayon Kaping, UUFC Player.
“Yes, they are very good and they have good support out there. Too many fans coming out for them and it is a good sign for them. But still we have chance. We got to matches more to play and so I think we will try to win the two matches in order to get to the know-out play,” added David Kaise Ngaite, Captain, Muvanlai FC. (ANI)