Imphal, Dec 25 : Assam Rifles, Tezpur defeated North Eastern Re-Organising and Cultural Association 4-2 via penalty shootout in the final of the 52nd Sir Churchand Singh Football Tournament here today to clinch the title. The final, played before a capacity crowd at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium, was a goalless affair during the stipulated 90 minutes of play. While Assam Rifles adopted a cautious approach , the North Eastern team resorted to an all-out attack from both flanks. The latter, however, missed several opportunities in both halves. Assam Rifles picked up momentum later in the game after striker Biswajit Singh joined action. However, the team could not find any opening. With both teams failing to score within regulation time, the tie had to be broken with penalty kicks. Assam Rifles held its nerves as L. Shanta Singh, Omkar Rana, O. Kuber Singh and T. Pijendra Singh succeeded in netting their shots. But North Eastern faltered as O. Pitler and H. Chakravarti failed to convert after S. Thomas and Th. Surjit had scored. With this triumph, Assam Rifles annexed the Sir Churchand Trophy along with a cash award of Rs 60,000 while the runners-up received the Khan Bahadur Shemshuddin Khan Durani Trophy, besides bagging a cash prize of Rs 25,000. Ksh. Malemnganba was adjudged the Man of the Final. He also shared the top-scorer’s award with L. Tiken Singh of Southern Sporting Union. Both players scored 10 goals each in the tournament. The Best Defender award was given to K. Regan Singh of Youth Welfare Club while I. Seityasen of the same team bagged the Best Player trophy. S. Lokeshwor Singh of Assam Rifles was adjudged the Best Goalkeeper. Manipur Brothers Sporting Union were conferred the fair play trophy. |
