DGAR UNDER-19 HOCKEY TOURNAMENT STARTS AT KHUMAN LAMPAK

The DGAR U-19 Hockey Tournament kick started at the Khuman Lampak Astro Turf Stadium in Imphal on 07 Dec 24. The event is being organised by Assam Rifles in coordination with the Manipur Hockey Association, as part of their Civic Action Program (CAP).

A total of 11 Hockey Teams are participating in the Tournament of which six are men’s teams and five are women’s teams. Matches will be played over the next eight days ie till 15 December. The Assam Rifles, as ‘Sentinels of the North East’ has been historically associated with promotion of local talent, sports and culture in Manipur.

The Hockey Tournament was conceptualized during visit of Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) to Imphal in August this year. Few office bearers of Manipur Hockey Association had proposed the conduct of a Tournament to the COAS for encouraging Hockey in Manipur, which had suffered setbacks due to prolonged ethnic violence.

Accordingly, the conduct of U-19 Hockey Tournament, was included as part of AR CAP. The tournament provides an apt platform for budding players to showcase their talent and futher refine their skills.

Maj Gen Ravroop Singh, graced this occasion as Chief Guest, which was also attended by the President, Manipur Hockey Association and Dir, Dept of Youth Affairs and Sports. During this event. The Chief Guest emphasized on need for young players to put in their best and strive to improve their talent. He highlighted the rich sporting heritage of Manipur and exhorted upon the youth to take this legacy forward. To appreciate the contributions of Manipur towards Indian Hockey, accomplished players were felicitated during the Inaugural Function.

The conduct of DGAR Hockey Tournament is testimony of Assam Rifle’s commitment towards peace in the State by promotion of sports and fruitful engagement of the youth.