Siang Highlanders pip NUFC, lift Veteran Cup

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

Itagar, Dec 13: Siang Highlanders scripted victory by winning the 3rd Veteran Cup-2015 by defeating harlagun United Football Club (NUFC) by 1-0 at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium here on Saturday.

Senior jourlist Pradeep Kumar handed over the cup with Rs one lakh to the winners to the thunderous applause of the gathering.

NUFC was handed over the Runners cup with Rs 50,000 by trader Sherif Nimasow.

Players of both teams played with full strength to end the match time with no score but in the extra time Siang Highlanders Binod Joshi scored the lone goal to take his team to victory. Joshi was adjudged hero of the match.

Best goalkeeper - Onom Sorah, highest scorer – Dojum No, player of the tourment – Koj Tatung, fair play – Aruchal United Football club and match referees - Kipa Achung, Topon Borah, Taba han, Toko Poliam, Prolad Borah, Tabia Sunil, Tagio Raju, Tapor Maying, Hibu Kojing were felicitated on the occasion by the guest.

Earlier, Tourism Parliamentary Secretary Mama tung, addressing the valedictory function said “success is not fil and failure not the end until your vision wins,” adding that one only wins in a game, not two.

He exhorted state footballers to play with discipline as a disciplined game only impresses and entertains the viewers. The state players winning tiol and global laurels only prove their mettle and huge opportunities await good performers globally, he said while recalling the state government initiative to increase job reservation from 5% to 10% for sports persons to promote games and sports sector for the youth to have alluring careers.

tung, a footballer who played in this stadium in 1989-90 & 1990-91, as guest of honour, announced that E&F & PH&WS Parliamentary Secretary Kumsi Sidisow would offer the prizes worth Rs 1.5 lakh.

Organising committee chairman Toko Tatung, in his address lauded all out support for making the event successful and appreciated Sports and Youth Affairs Parliamentary Secretary Likha Saaya for his assurance to extend state government fincial assistance for the next edition.