UKHRUL, October 16, 2026: Ukhrul Town United FC emerged champions of the 1st Spandan Under-17 Football Tournament after defeating Haokok FC 1–0 in the final held at Bakshi Ground, Hungpung, Ukhrul district, on October 16.
The tournament was organised by the District Youth Affairs and Sports Office (DYASO), Ukhrul, from October 13 to 16 in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Khelo India, Fit India and Asmita Khelo India, under the slogan “Khel Se Hi Hai Pehchaan.”
Attending the final as the chief guest, MLA of Ukhrul Assembly Constituency Ram Muivah highlighted the rich footballing history of the Tangkhul Naga community and stressed the need for improved sports infrastructure in the district.
Recalling the history of Bakshi Ground, the MLA said the ground was established in 1970 by Assam Rifles 11 General Bakshi and had served the sporting community for 56 years. He also acknowledged several Tangkhul Naga footballers who had represented clubs and competed at national and international levels despite inadequate infrastructure.
He mentioned Aleng Shimrah, who played for Maharani Club and competed in Cuba, as well as Somatai Shaiza who played for East Bangal against Mohun Bagan and Reisangmi Vashum, who aslo represented East Bengal and played against Mohun Bagan in 2010, when their side was defeated by a single goal.
Ram Muivah said he had been making efforts to bring the Sports Authority of India to Ukhrul, noting that Manipur’s reputation as a sports powerhouse was closely associated with the presence of SAI facilities in Imphal.
He said he had met relevant authorities, including Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, to pursue the establishment of SAI facilities in Ukhrul. He further stated that a recent inspection team had visited the district and recommended the proposal.
The MLA also recalled Ukhrul’s historical achievements in football, stating that the district had regularly emerged as champion in the Sir Churachand Singh Memorial Trophy during the 1950s.
Highlighting the community’s long association with football, he referred to the Tangkhul Naga presence in France in 1917, when around 1,200 Tangkhul Nagas reportedly went there as labour corps members and played football under the leadership of Rev. Ruichumhao.
He said the community had a long sporting tradition but was now falling behind because of inadequate infrastructure and facilities. He emphasised that bringing SAI to Ukhrul would be important for nurturing young talent and creating better opportunities for future generations.
The manager of Ukhrul Town United FC expressed gratitude to DYASO, the referees and volunteers for their contributions to the successful organisation of the tournament. She also thanked all participating teams for demonstrating sportsmanship and congratulated the participants.
Meanwhile, the coach of Changvei FC thanked DYASO for organising the tournament and stressed the need for young players to receive more training, develop their skills and gain greater exposure. He urged the authorities to organise such tournaments more frequently to help players improve their performance and gain valuable competitive experience.
The final was also attended by Brig. Amit Kumar Sharma, Director General of the Inspector General’s office, 10 Sector Assam Rifles, Ukhrul, as the guest of honour, and Khelo India mentor Reisangmi Vashum as the special guest of honour.
The four-day tournament concluded with calls for stronger sports infrastructure, more opportunities for young footballers and continued support for grassroots football in Ukhrul district.
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