Hill Districts' Sports Meet: DSA Churachandpur earn football title with 2-1 win against DSA Ukhrul, Chandel claim women's volleyball title

OSR/ Correspondent
IMP/KPI, Jul 6 : DSA Chu-rachandpur were crowned football champions at the 5th Hill Districts' Sports Meet organised by Hill Districts' Sports Association Manipur at Thomas Ground, Kangpokpi after a beating DSA Ukhrul by 2-1 goals under heavy downpour. DSA Chandel on the other hand claimed the women's volleyball title beating DSA Ukhrul.
The unfavourable heavy downpour leads to player’s inspection (football) by the dignitaries inside the pavilion but it really fails to kill the spirit of both the finalists as well as the people of Kangpokpi District who impressively surrounded the entire gallery and the playground from all corners.
Both DSA Churachandpur and DSA Ukhrul were evenly poised in the first half and shared almost equals possession and attempts but lack of composure and finesse deter the two sides from making the headway till the break.
DSA Churachandpur however shifted gears after the restart and their efforts paid dividend in the 57th minute when Ginminthang Hangsing  beat the Ukhrul side's keeper after capitalising on a rebounded aerial ball. The goal boosted DSA Churachandpur's confidence largely and as the team piled up more pressure on the rivals and it was in the 71st minute that Gogou Hangsing converted a penalty kick awarded after an accidental handball by rivals' defender inside the box and doubled the team's advantage.
DSA Ukhrul pulled back a goal lately in the 83rd minute with the help of Reisangmi Vashum but the team's effort to draw level could not materialise as the defence line of the Churachandpur side did well to keep all threats at bay and successfully ensured their victory.
The closing ceremony of the tournament organised with an aim to promote unity through sports in the hill districts of the state was attended by ADC Sadar Hills Vice Chairman, Thangjakam Misao as chief guest apart from chief  host Haokholal Hangshing, Chairman ADC Sadar Hills while Executive Members of ADC Sadar Hills, BP Vikas Basnet; Member Lunthang Haokip and Paotinlun Chongloi attended as guests of honour and Lunseh Kipgen, Chairman Kangpokpi Town Committee as functional president. Members of KTC and Kangpokpi Town Churches Fellowship also attended the closing ceremony apart from thousands of people across Kangpokpi district braving the heavy downpour to give their love to the visiting districts to take home and cherish it.
Football champions, DSA Churachandpur were awarded a rolling trophy donated by (L) Rishang Keishing, former Chief Minister of Manipur with cash prize of Rs 1 lakh while runners up DSA Ukhrul received a trophy with a cash prize of Rs 50,000. DSA Churachandpur custodian Mong Hmangte was awarded the Best Goalkeeper award and his teammate Peter Seiminthang was awarded the top scorer award. Reisangmi Vashum was also adjudged man of the final match and K Maning Kila of DSA Senapati was awarded the Best Spiker in women’s volleyball.
According to HIDSAM officials, the 6th edition of Hill Districts Sports Meet next year will be held at Chandel District.