Players of Mizoram and Sikkim along with top army officials and others after prize distribution ceremony on July 21. (Photo courtesy Menuseo Max Khieya)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 21
Mizoram XI today emerged as the champions of the North Eastern Girls (under-19 ) Football Tournament after defeating Sikkim 3-0 in the grand finale match played at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.
Playing a one-sided final match in front of the capacity crowd, Mizoram registered an easy win over Sikkim 3-0.
Miriam Lalnunsiami connected two goals for the team while Lalnuntluangi added another goal.
The winning team Mizoram fetched a cash prize of Rs. 75,000 while runner-up team Sikkim received Rs. 50,000 along with trophy and citation.
Earlier on July 20, Mizoram overpowered Assam 3-2 while Sikkim defeated Manipur 2-1 in the first and second semi-final matches respectively to enter in the final.
In the individual category, Miriam Lalnunsiami (Mizoram) who has the credit of 6 goals was awarded the Golden Boot; Reema Gurung (Sikkim) was adjudged the Best Custodian; while the Most Valuable Player went to Zairemmawii (Mizoram ) .
IGAR (North) Deputy Inspector General Brig Satbir Singh graced the match as chief guest and gave way prizes to the winners.
14 Assam Rifles Jazz & Pipe Band, Assam Rifles Brass Band, North-East Warriors of Assam Regimental Centre and NK Naga enthralled the crowd with scintillating performances at the closing ceremony.
The proceedings of the grand finale and prize distribution ceremony were compered by Thejakhrienuo Nakhro and Menuseo Max Khieya.
The under - 19 girls football tournament commenced on July 17- 19 from KASA Diphu in Assam and both the semi-final and final matches took place at IG Stadium, Kohima .
Altogether, teams from the eight North-Eastern States – Sikkim, Tripura , Meghalaya , Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh , Mizoram and Nagaland joined the tournament.
The five-day long tournament was organized under the aegis of Head Quarter, Director General of Assam Rifles and conducted by 14th Assam Rifles with a dual aim to provide a platform to girl footballers and also to identify potential players for the team squad of Assam Rifles.