Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Hiyangthang, Imphal West – SYDA Kahetrigao clinched the third-place title in the 2nd 9 Men A-Side Village Open Football Tournament, 2026, after defeating Lamlai FC 7-6 in a penalty shootout at Hiyangthang Football Ground on Sunday, 14 June 2026.
The third-place playoff ended 1-1 at full time, with both teams unable to break the deadlock in regulation time. In the ensuing penalty shootout, SYDA Kahetrigao beat Lamlai FC to secure the win and take home the third-place title.
The tournament, organized by Multipurpose Club Hiyangthang, kicked off on 8 May 2026 and featured 24 football teams from across the region. The semi-final matches concluded ahead of the third-place playoff, setting the stage for the final showdown.
The match was attended by several dignitaries as presidium members, including Former Minister of Thongju A/C Shri Bijoy Koijam, Former MLA of Naoriya Pakhanglakpa Shri RK Anand, Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee for the 2nd MPC Trophy Shri Kangjam Birendra Singh, Social Activist & Convenor of the Disciplinary Committee Dr. Kiran Yendrembam, Member of the Disciplinary Committee Shri Y. Lanchandra Singh, and Retd. Range Forest Officer Shri S. Khogen Singh.
Speaking on the sidelines, the attending dignitaries appreciated MPC Club, Hiyangthang for organising the tournament and providing a platform for local talent. They noted that such village-level competitions play a key role in promoting sports culture and youth engagement in Manipur.
Spectators and football lovers who gathered to watch the live matches also praised the MPC Club Hiyangthang Organising Committee for conducting the tournament smoothly. The committee ensured that all 24 teams played in a disciplined and competitive spirit, following the rules and regulations set for the event.
The final match of the tournament is scheduled for Sunday, 21 June 2026, and will be played between CFC Chajing and DROSA-IN FC, Heingang.
The organizers thanked all participating teams, officials, and the public for their support and said the event has helped strengthen grassroots football in the area.
