Our Correspondent
KANGPOKPI, Nov 4: Friendly football matches with a thrilling live concert marked the 3rd Foundation Day celebration of Kuki Football Academy, which introduced and maintained night football tournament in the State, yesterday.
Among other friendly matches played yesterday throughout the day at KFA Playground, D Phaihel village in Kangpokpi district, the fascinated friendly match between the Minister Team and Member of District Council, Sadar Hills Team was the most watched and enjoyed match.
In the Minister team, MLA Keirao AC, L Rameshwor and MLA Kshetrigao AC, N Indrajit also enthusiastically participated in the game where MLA L Rameshwor shone with his two brilliant scores in 10th minute of the first half and in the 32nd minute of the second half, to give the Minister team a fanciful win over ADC Sadar Hills team.
Social Welfare and Cooperation Minister, Nemcha Kipgen; MLA Oinam AC, L Radhakishore; MLA Keirao AC, L Rameshwor; MLA Kshetrigao AC, N Indrajit and MLA Ngaoriya Pakhanglakpa AC, S Subhas Chandra Singh attended the 3rd KFA Foundation Day.
During the formal foundation day celebration ceremony which began at around 6 pm in the evening, L Radhakishore hoisted the Kuki Football Academy flag in the presence of Minister Nemcha Kipgen and other MLAs apart from other dignitaries while MLA Ngaoriya Pakhanglakpa AC, S Subhas Chandra Singh released the KFA 2020 calendar.
Renowned Manipuri singer Naba Volcano accompanied by famous Kuki singer Maneithangja and other noted Kuki singers enthralled the crowd with "Chamalei" and other songs while N Indrajit, S Subhas Chandra Singh also mesmerized the audience with their evergreen voices.
Minister Nemcha Kipgen said that Manipur being a powerhouse of football, many Manipuri footballers and sportspersons in the State excelled not only in India but also in international level and achieved various feats and achievements.
She continued that football being a suitable sports item for the people of Manipur, the establishment of Kuki Football Academy in Kangpokpi District will play a vital role in shaping the careers of many young and talented footballers in future.
L Radhakishore appreciated the efforts and struggles of KFA in setting up such an inspiring football academy while exhorting them to move forward in achieving its goals and assures to render all possible help and assistance for the upliftment of the academy.
He also said that the Government will definitely bring the change that the people of Manipur envision within 2/3 years in the state while urging the people of Manipur to stop divisive efforts.
A night long concert amidst the cool Mt Koubru breeze marked the occasion.