Paonam Charan Singh’s heroics earn AIM maiden CC Meet title

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jun 24 : AIM, Khabam rode on Paonam Charan Singh’s  heroics under the bar to seal the title of the 65th Sir Churachand Singh KCSI, CBE Memorial Football Tournament this evening at Mapal Kangjeibung.
Courtesy of two saves produced by Charan, AIM beat Utlou FC 3-1 on penalties after the two sides remained locked at 1-1 in the regulation time.
Sapam Topper gave AIM a slender 1-0 lead in the first period but Utlou FC took it deep to equalise as David Yendrembam who came off the bench in the 82nd minute scored five minutes into his entry.
The two sides failed to find the winner in the remainder of the game and the game was eventually decided by penalties.
Mutum Stelin, Ngangom Peter and Saikhom Abinash all scored for AIM in the shoot-out while Charan Singh denied Bihas Robidas and David Yendrembam of Utlou FC to seal the 3-1 win.
Only Huidrom Jotin was on target for Utlou FC in the penalty shoot-out.
With the title victory, AIM walked away with Rs 5,00,000 richer and the gold plated trophy while Utlou FC received the runners up trophy and a cash prize of Rs 2,00,000.
Top scorer of the tournament-Saikhom Abinash (9 goals for AIM), man of the final match- Paonam Charan Singh (Goalkeeper) of AIM, best defender- Laishram Amit of Utlou FC, best midfielder of the final match- Bishal Robidash of Utlou FC, best striker of the final match- Saikhom Abinash, youngest player- Jajinwar Khorong Chiru of Utlou FC (18 years old), best manager - Takhellambam Ramesh of AIM, fair play team- IYFC were also feted with cash and kinds.
Oja Benudhar Memorial Trophy for the Best Referee of the tournament meanwhile went to Joysing Monsang as Laishram Rojit bagged the Best Assistant Trophy.
Men’s footballer of the year- Chanam Akash of USA, women’s footballer of the year- Elangbam Panthoi, women’s coach of the year- Th Khunjanganbi Chanu, men’s coach of the year- K Donald were also honoured with trophies and cash rewards at the occasion.
Champions of the 2nd Premier League 2024-25- FC Raengdai, Noney and the 3rd Premier League 2025-26- SSU, Singjamei were also feted with cash prize of Rs 5,00,000 each.