PASIGHAT, Sep 24:  Nail-biting and unpredictable fifteen days of 25th National level Sr. Women football extravaganza ended on a positive note. Football fans heading to the jam-packed CHF ground on Tuesday witnessed the spectacular closing ceremony in presence of Lok Sabha MP Tapir Gao and States Sports Minister Mama Natung gracing as Chief Guest and Guest of Honour respectively. More than ten thousand soccer lovers not only watched the breathtaking final match but also cheered and encouraged the players of Manipur and Railways.
Manipur lifted the champion trophy beating Railways by 1-0 margin. Though in the first half no team could open account but in the second half lone goal by N. Bala Devi of Manipur team led to the win.
In his valedictory speech, Gao said that the event was not only a national level football tournament but also a celebration of unity, friendship and sportsmanship among all Indian communities. He extended thanks to the Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Union Youth and Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju, All India Football Federation and Arunachal Football Association for hosting the national event at Pasighat successfully stating that 'we have proven our capacity as host.'
Indian women Football Captain Ashalata Devi in play gave us immense pleasure and matter of pride, he said adding that hosting such mega event finally included Arunachal in the national sports map. Gao also asserted that football was not limited to a game but it also develops personality beside physical fitness and discipline in life and therefore parents should encourage their kids to take part in sports. He conveyed his special thanks to all the 29 participating national players for their fair play and expressed hope that they would spread the message of hospitality and friendship of Arunachal Pradesh on their return. More national sports event/games would be hosted by Arunachal in future preferably in winter season for smooth conduct, he further informed.
Sports Minister Mama Natung terming the event as historic stated that leadership of CM Pema Khandu and Union Mister Kiren Rijiju and all members of team Arunachal was appreciable. He also conveyed his gratitude to the officers, leaders, NGOs and general public of Pasighat as a whole for their coordinated efforts and supports in making the event a grand success.

Sanju of Railways received the best player award while Elangbam Panthoi Chanu as best goalkeeper and N. Bala Devi with 21 goals was adjudged as highest scorer of the tournament. 

Health Minister Alo Libang, MLAs Kaling Moyong, Kento Rina, Talem Taboh, Incharge DC Tatdo Borang, SP Rajiv Ranjan Singh, CHF Dean Dr. BN Hazarika, APFA Sr. Vice-President G. Doke, APFA Secy. Kipa Ajay, state coordinator Orin Lego, ABK President Getom Borang were present among others. DIPRO

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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