मणिपुर Manipur ने मेघालय को हरा कर फुटबॉल टूर्नामेंट में जूनियर बॉयज का खिताब जीता

Manipur beats Meghalaya to win junior boys title in football tournament

Manipur's T.G. English School won the junior boys title of the 63rd Subroto Cup International Football Tournament after beating Mingken Christian Higher Secondary School of Meghalaya 4-3 in a sudden death tie-breaker after both teams were tied 1-1 in regulation time. Namdigong gave the winning side the lead in the 32nd minute of the first half but Banplibok Khongjoh equalised in the 64th minute of the game, just six minutes before the final whistle. Meghalaya goalkeeper Wanpli Malang then pulled his first sudden-death spot-kick wide of the goal, giving Manipur the coveted title after 43 years. The winning side also played nearly 20 minutes with 10 men in the second half.

Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari PVSM AVSM VM ADC, Chief of the Air Staff and President, Subroto Mukherjee Sports Education Society (SMSES) presented the trophies to the winners along with 2022 Asian Games double silver medalist Harmilan Bains, who was the Chief Guest of the finals. Speaking during the prize distribution ceremony, Chief Guest Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari PVSM AVSM VM ADC said, “It has truly been a remarkable journey as we conclude the 63rd edition of the Subroto Cup. This tournament has once again proven to be an incredible platform for nurturing young football talent. We have seen many promising athletes emerge this year, and I have no doubt that some of them will go on to represent India at the highest level. I would like to congratulate not only the winners of the Junior Boys category but also the champions of the Junior Girls and Sub-Junior Boys categories. Each player has shown great dedication, and we are committed to making next year’s Subroto Cup even bigger and better. Together, we will continue to raise the standards of grassroots football in India.” The Meghalaya team dominated the game almost from the first minute and certainly looked the more organised and creative side. However, they fell behind in finishing and the Manipur boys defended resolutely to seal the result for themselves.

Manipur then took to the field in the second half with a jersey changed from maroon to light blue, with a firm intention to hold on to their lead. Meghalaya were still more enterprising and got their first penalty in the 16th minute of the half, but Alister Thangkiew hit the right upright after goalkeeper Ranidas dived the wrong way. This happened after Manipur's Heroba was shown a red card for handling the ball before it went into the goal as a backhead.

Mashering missed an easy equaliser a few minutes later when Banplibok made another brilliant run from the right with another excellent cross. Both coaches made changes and just 10 minutes before the final whistle, substitute Shyla's shot hit Nestonboy's hand and Meghalaya got their second penalty of the game. This time Banplibok, who was the standout player of the day, scored calmly. After 70 minutes both teams were still level, so the game went to penalties. Alex and Namdigiogan scored for the Manipuris, while Richborn and Pinshailang missed for Meghalaya. But, there was drama for Manipur as Yohenba and captain Manimatum missed, while Banplibok and Masharing equalised for Meghalaya. Gautam and Bipias converted the fifth kick for Manipur and Meghalaya respectively, it was sudden death time, where Phonis scored confidently for Manipur, while Wanpli missed his target from a long distance. An elated Harmilan Bains said after the game, “It is an absolute honour to witness the exceptional talent and sportsmanship displayed by these young athletes in the Subroto Cup Final today. As someone who has followed a similar path, I understand the importance of such platforms in shaping an athlete’s future. The passion, grit and determination these players have displayed throughout the tournament is commendable. I would like to congratulate all the winners, and I am confident that many of these young footballers will shine in the years to come. Keep chasing your dreams, and never stop believing in your potential.” The winners received Rs 5,00,000, while the runners-up received Rs 3,00,000. The losing semi-finalists received Rs 75,000, while the losing quarter-finalist teams received Rs 10,000 and Rs 40,000 each. Individual awards Best Player (Rs 40,000): Banplibok Khongjoh, (Mingken Christian Higher Secondary School, Meghalaya) Best Goalkeeper (Rs 25,000): Master Ranidas (T.J. English School, Bishnupur, Manipur) Best Coach (Rs 25,000): Kitborlan Kharlukhi, (Mingken Christian Higher Secondary School, Meghalaya) Fair Play Award (Rs 50,000): Guru Gobind Singh Sports College, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Best School (Rs 40,000): T.J. English School, Bishnupur, Manipur A total of 75 matches were played in this category of the Subroto Cup, which were played at four venues in Delhi and NCR - Tejas Football Ground, Ambedkar Stadium, G.D. Goenka World School and KIIT Global School. Mother's International School, Ranchi, Jharkhand won the Junior Girls (Under 17) category defeating Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Pratishthan, while Nongiri Presbyterian Secondary School, Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya won the Sub-Girls (Under 17) category.