U-19 Women’s Football Tournament FC Imphal prevail 5-1 over YWC-L in final showdown

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Feb 16 : The U-19 State Level Women’s Football Tournament-2026 organised by The Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) (Home & Hearth) Assam, alongside Assam Rifles and under Spear Corps under Operation Sadbhavana came to a close today at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium.
FC Imphal were crowned the champions of the tournament organised in collaboration with the All Manipur Football Association as they defeated Young Welfare Club, Langthabal (YWC-L) by 5-1 goals in the final today.
Phanjoubam Abema starred in this exciting title clash with a treble (40’, 48’, 87’) as Leihaorungbam Sanathoi converted a penalty in the added time of the first half (40+2’).
The lone goal for YWC-L was scored by Chingangbam Binomala in the 28th minute before Silpa Thounaojam conceded an own goal in the 85th minute to put FC Imphal in the dominating position.
The ten-team league cum knock-out tournament began on January 28.
The grand finale was graced by Lt Gen Abhijit S Pendharkar, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, General Officer Commanding Spear Corps, as chief guest, said a press release issued by PRO IGAR (S). The initiative boosted women’s football at grassroots and competitive levels, championing inclusivity, gender equality, and community spirit, the release said.
Officials, troops and fans packed the stadium, fueling a vibrant atmosphere that spotlights Manipur’s rising women’s football scene, it said.
By empowering young athletes under the GOC’s visionary leadership, the tournament instilled discipline, unity and resilience—igniting passion for the sport among the next generation, it added.