PPL Season XI concludes with Paokhaodi FC as champions; rings out message of peace in Manipur

Our Correspondent
Senapati, 11 Nov :  Paokhaodi FC emerged the champions of the Poumai Premier League, Season XI, 2025 as they defeated Pou Legend FC 1-0 in a thrilling final encounter at  Astro Turf Ground, Senapati.
The closing ceremony of the tournament was graced by N Kaikho Kapa, Joint Director (Retd), Tribal Affairs & Hills Development as the chief guest and Luny Justin, president, Poumai Veteran Sports Association and vice president, Manipur State Badminton Association as the special guest.
In his speech, special guest Luny Justin took note of the emerging skilled and talented players in the district and lauded the committee of the Poumai Premier League for bringing such tournaments to the district headquarters by connecting the youth through sports.
While urging the parents to send their children to any kind of sports, the special guest encouraged the PPL committee members to send their children in the field of sports.
Speaking as the chief guest, Kaikho Kapa drew the attention of all to rise up and work for the welfare of the people. The chief guest also took note of the growing sports movement in Senapati district and celebrated the achievement of young players who have made the district and the State proud .
He also called upon all 5 major tribes living in the district to live peacefully in love and unity as fingers of a hand, helping one another in times of need.
Before the commencement of the grand finale, young children under the banner, "Let peace prevail in Manipur" led the two finalists onto the field.
The final match witnessed the best of skills from all the players. A huge crowd of spectators and supporters of both teams filled the gallery as well as the surrounding areas of the ground from the beginning till the end of the match.
Hiivei Carlos of Paokhaodi FC took centrestage in this exciting match as he scored the winner after 41 minutes.
Paokhaodi FC walked away Rs 1,20,000 richer alongside trophy and certificates as the runners up team settled for a cash prize of Rs 80,000. The semi-finalist teams- Heudu FC and Zho United FC were also feted with a cash prize of Rs 10,000 each during the closing function as Chanso of Ratung FC (13 goals); Wungsung Lungleng of Pou Legend FC; Chinavi of Paokhaodi FC, and Dikapu of Pou Legend FC were awarded respectively with golden booth, golden ball, golden glove and emerging player awards.
Best manager award meanwhile went to Reuben of Zho United FC while Best Coach title went to Nagopuni of Paokhaodi FC and the best Medic title to Avei Bonid of Pou Legend FC.