Mizoram lift Dr T Ao Memorial Football Tournament 2012

HOME TEAM GOES DOWN TO MIZORAM IN TIE-BREAKER 
GANGTOK, 09 Mar: Mizoram has lifted the Dr T Ao Memorial Football Tournament played here at Paljor Stadium. In the nail-biting final match played today, Mizoram defeated the home team in a tie-breaker.
Sikkim reached the finals of the tournament defeating Manipur 1-0 in the semi-final, while Mizoram beat Tripura 4-2 to reach the finals. Sikkim reached the final of this tournament for the first time, while Mizoram was the runner-up at the last edition of the tournament.
The stadium was filled mainly with students from different schools of in-and-around Gangtok, who cheered for the home team till the final whistle of the match. Both the teams came on strong, attacking and counter attacking right from the very start. R Laldanmawia gave an early lead to Mizoram scoring in the 14th minute of the match. Sikkim played a good game and tried its best to equalize the score but the first half concluded in favour of Mizoram with the score of 1-0.
Sikkim maintained an attacking game in the second half but was not able to score the equalizer. In the 81st minute of the match, the home team received the golden opportunity in the form of a penalty shoot for a handball in the D-Area, which was successfully turned into the equalizer by Thupden Tshering Bhutia. At full time, the match ended with a score of 1-1. The match then got extended for a tie-breaker to decide the winner through penalty shoot outs.
However, even after five penalty shoot outs no decision could be arrived at, as Nima Tamang of Sikkim and F Lalrinpuia of Mizoram shot outside the goalpost and the match got extended for more penalty shoot outs. Finally, the tenth penalty shot by home team player, Sonam Pintso Lepcha, was stopped by the Mizo goalkeeper winning them the match by a score of 10-09.
In the match for the third place played today, Manipur defeated Tripura 2-1. KH Naoton Singh scored a brace for Manipur in the 6th and 7th minute, while the lone goal of Tripura was scored by Jayantha Jonatan in the 83rd minute of the match.
Chief Whip of the State Government, Ugen T Gyatso, was the chief guest on the final day, accompanied by the UD&HD Minister, DB Thapa, Sports Minister, NK Pradhan and Gangtok MLA, Dorjee Namgyal among others, who gave away the prize money, trophies, certificates and other prizes.
The winners were awarded with the cash prize of Rs 7 lakh, while the runner-up received the cash prize of Rs 4 lakh. Likewise, third and fourth place teams received Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1 lakh respectively and four other teams who did not make it to the semis took home Rs 50,000 each.
I Nilakumar Singh of Manipur was declared as the Player of the Tournament, while his teammate, L Gouro Singh, received the Highest Scorer and even the Best Goalkeeper trophy went to the Manipur goalkeeper.
On the occasion, the department of Sports and Youth Affairs provided cash incentives to 76 sportspersons of Sikkim in different disciplines who won medals in the North-East, National and International levels.
In his address, the Chief Whip stated that this tournament will help to strengthen the regional bond between the north-eastern states and promote brotherhood and mutual understanding between the states. Speaking on the priorities of the state government to the sports, Mr Gyatso encouraged the local players to take the facilities and opportunities provided by the government to do better in their respective discipline. He informed that the state government has been adding sports infrastructures at the different levels in the state. The chief guest also declared the closing of the tournament.
Earlier, the final match was started with the welcome address by the Sports Minister. The cultural programme was presented by the students of Modern Secondary School.

Lone goal keeps host team’s hope at the ongoing NE football tourney alive

GANGTOK, 06 Mar: The goal by Bir Bahadur Pradhan, in the last 10 minutes of the match helped Sikkim win its third and last match in the league round in the ongoing Dr T Ao Memorial Football Tournament at Paljor Stadium today. In the nail-biting match, the home team defeated Assam by a solitary goal.  This win also strengthened the home team’s hopes to remain in the tournament.
Desperate for a win, Sikkimese players made constant attacks on their opponent’s goalpost from the very start. A good shot by Nim Tshering Lepcha missed the net and struck back after hitting the goalpost in the early minutes of the match followed by many other missed attempts. The visitors also made some good attempts but could not score and the first half concluded without any goals from both teams.
With time running out for the home team in the second half, substitute player Bir Bahadur  turned the cross from his teammate, Don Tshering Lepcha in the 82nd minute into the victory goal and the final whistle by the referee sealed the victory for the Sikkim team.
In the second match of the day, the defending champions Manipur defeated Meghalaya again by a lone goal. In an equally played match, Nilakumar Singh scored the solitary and victory goal for Manipur in the 69th minute.
Sikkim team manager, Arjun Rai stated that after one loss and one draw in the tournament the home team had great pressure to win this third match in the league round. He expressed his satisfaction with the game played by the state’s footballers today to win the match. He mentioned that Sikkim now has a better chance to enter into the semi-final round and tomorrow’s match between Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh is crucial for the state. If Mizoram wins the match then Sikkim will enter the next round but if Arunachal Pradesh wins then the goal difference will be considered.

Assam overcomes Arunachal

Dr T AO MEMORIAL FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT
GANGTOK, 05 March: A brace by Maneswar Mushahary helped Assam to register a victory in the ongoing Dr T Ao Memorial Football Tournament here at Paljor Stadium today. In a very close match, Assam beat Arunachal Pradesh 2-1.
Playing an attacking game from the start, Arunachal Pradesh took an early lead with the help of Pura Byai’s goal in the 2nd minute itself but in the 13th minute Maneswar scored the equalizer for Assam.
Despite many opportunities and attacks, the first half ended in a draw 1-1. Soon in the second half, Maneswar scored his brace in the 52nd minute giving the lead to Assam. Arunachal boys kept attacking but could not come back into the match, which finally went in favour of Assam with a score of 2-1.
The equally played second match of the day between Meghalaya and Nagaland ended in a goalless draw.
On Tuesday, Sikkim will be playing its crucial third and last match in the league round of the tournament against Assam. With one draw and one loss so far, Sikkim has 3 points. To keep its hope in the tournament alive, Sikkim needs to win this match.

Sikkim goes down 3-1 against Mizoram

Dr T. AO MEMORIAL FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

MANIPUR BEATS TRIPURA 1-0
GANGTOK, 04 March: Sikkim went down 3 goals to 01 against Mizoram in its second match at the ongoing Dr T Ao Memorial Football Tournament played here at Paljor Stadium today.
Although the host team played a good game, better coordination and teamwork by the Mizo players got the better of them.
A goal by Lalfakzaula in the 2nd minute itself gave an early advantage to Mizoram and another goal by Edenthara in the 44th minute helped Mizoram end the first half with a lead of 2-0.
Continuing their stellar performance in the second half, Rameng Mawia of Mizoram scored the third goal in the 67th minute. Just as the match seemed to be headed for a 3-0 score in favour of Mizoram, Sikkim skipper, Tenzing Tsephel, scored the face-saver in injury time.
Earlier in the match, the home team missed some good opportunities to come back into the game as they failed to take advantage of any of them. Now, Sikkim will face Assam in a very crucial match on Tuesday as they need to register a victory to remain in the tournament.
In the second well contested match of the day, defending champs Manipur beat Tripura by a solitary goal. As both teams played neck-to-neck from the very start, Manipur players made constant attacks but could not score any goal and the first half ended in a goalless draw.
Soon in the second half, the referee offered a penalty shot to Manipur for a handball by a Tripura player in the D-Box area, which was competently turned into the victory goal by L Gouro Singh of Manipur in the 56th minute. Tripura players tried their best to come back into the game but could not do so.
On Saturday, Assam defeated Mizoram 3-1 in the first match, while in the next match Tripura defeated Meghalaya by the same score of 3-1.
Now, Arunachal Pradesh will take on Assam in the first match on Monday, which will be followed by a clash between Nagaland and Meghalaya.

NE Football Tourney’s first match, Sikkim vs Arunachal ends in a draw

DEFENDING CHAMPS MANIPUR THRASH NAGALAND IN SECOND MATCH
SAGAR CHHETRI
GANGTOK, 02 Mar: Even after a good start, the home team had to console itself with a draw in its first match in the Dr T Ao Memorial Football Tournament played here at Paljor Stadium today. The inaugural match between Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh ended at 2-2.
The home team launched an offensive game from the very start. Displaying some good skills, Sahansha Ansari scored the first goal for Sikkim in the 13th minute as the state’s players maintained their offensive strategy. With another goal in the 32nd minute by Thupden Tshering Bhutia, Sikkim managed to keep its lead of 2-0 by the end of the first half.  
However, the boys from Arunachal Pradesh fought back hard with Rocky Ramching managing to bring down the goal margin by 1 goal scored in the 51st minute and in the 71st minute, Pura Byai scored the equalizer for AP. It was a neck-to-neck game but no team managed to score any more goals so the match ended in a draw.
Also on the day, the defending champions Manipur proved why they are the champions as they thrashed Nagaland in the second match. A hat-trick by L Gouro Singh ensured the defending champions a good start in the tournament.
Kh Naoton Singh scored the first goal for Manipur in the 15th minute and soon Saku Temsen scored the equalizer for Nagaland in the 28th minute but with the help of L Gouro’s goal in the 39th minute, Manipur took the lead and kept it by the end of the first half at a score of 2-1.
In the second half, L Gouro scored his brace in the 60th minute and completed his hat-trick in the 71st minute to finish the game by 4-1 in favour of Manipur.
Sikkim has been placed in Group A along with Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Assam, while Group B has Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya in the tournament.
Tomorrow, Mizoram will take on Assam in the first match at 12:15 PM, while the second match will be played between Tripura and Meghalaya at 2:15 PM.  

Dr T Ao Memorial Football Tournament begins

ANUSHA GURUNG
GANGTOK, 02 Mar: Dr T Ao Memorial Football Tournament organized by the department of Sports ad Youth Affairs was inaugurated by the Speaker, KT Gyaltsen here at Paljor Stadium today. Sikkim is hosting this prestigious tournament for the first time.
The Speaker declared the tournament open and also met the officials and players of all eight participating teams.
In his inaugural address, the Speaker congratulated the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs for bringing the tournament in memory of a legendary footballer of the country to the state this year. He expressed that such tournaments would help promote football and encourage talented footballers of the region to showcase their talents.
Winning and losing is part of the game but the most important thing is to participate and play in the spirit of sports, said Mr Gyalsten. He mentioned that football involves team work, mutual respect, good leadership, hardwork, dedication, skills, physical fitness which are all positive aspects of life. He further encouraged the footballers to learn from their experiences to prepare for future challenges.
The Speaker further expressed hope that this tournament would also bring about mutual understanding and cooperation between the people of the north-east region and thereby help promote national integration.
Earlier, the welcome address was presented by the SYA Secretary, Karma P Bhutia. The inaugural day was also attended by Gangtok MLA, Dorjee Namgyal, Chief Secretary, Karma P Bhutia and members from different sports associations among others.
During the inaugural function, the students of Modern Secondary School presented Nepali, Bhutia and Lepcha dances.

State team all set to play ball at the Dr T Ao Memorial Football tourney

22-MEMBER SQUAD ANNOUNCED 
GANGTOK, 29 Feb: A 22-member state team is all set to represent Sikkim in the Dr T Ao Memorial Football Tournament 2012 that begins on Friday here at Paljor Stadium. The tournament is being organized by the department of Sports and Youth Affairs for the first time in the state.
Names of members of the state team for this tournament were announced by the Sikkim Football Association general secretary, Menla Ethenpa on the last day of the seven-day selection camp at Paljor Stadium today.
The state squad will be led by Tenzing Tsephel as captain and Engpohang Subba [Sikkim Police] as vice-captain. The team has two goalkeepers- Kunzang Lachungpa [Lanshing FC, Shillong] and Pawan Chettri [United Sikkim FC].
The defence line has Sonam Pintso [SAI/SAG, Namchi], Karma Lendup Lepcha [Sikkim Police], Kushan Mangar [State Sports Academy], Mobin Rai [SSA], Nim Tshering Lepcha [USFC], Sagar Rai [USFC] and Afzal Ansari [USFC].
The shortlisted midfielders were Thupden Tshering Bhutia [USFC], Sahensha Ansari [USFC], Mayal Dok Lepcha [USFC], Bhupendra Kewa [USFC], Nima Tamang [USFC] and Don Tshering Lepcha [Lanshing FC].
Bir Bahadur Pradhan [Sikkim Police], Tenzing Tsephel Bhutia [AG Office], Sanjay Chettri [Lanshing FC], Engpohang Subba, Yakub Kami [SAI/SAG Namchi], Kassang N Lepcha [SSA] and Bijoy Subba [SSA] were shortlisted as forwards of the team.
A total of 26 local players, who are currently playing for different clubs in and outside the state, attended the selection camp which started on 23 February. The players underwent the camp under the coach, Suresh Mukhia and manager, Arjun Rai.
After announcing the names, Mr Ethenpa congratulated the selected players and encouraged those who did not make it to take it as a challenge and try their best to get selected next time. He encouraged the state team to maintain discipline and play with a sporting spirit being the host team.
Mr Ethenpa also congratulated the department of Sports and Youth Affairs for getting the opportunity to host this prestigious tournament in the state before their turn. He informed that Sikkim was scheduled to host the 7th edition of this tournament.
Sports and Youth Affairs Secretary, Karma P Bhutia also encouraged the players to play their best being the host state and urged them to show their best game.
United Sikkim FC coach, Philippe De Ridder also expressed his best wishes to the team members.
Speaking to media persons today, team captain Tenzing Tsephel expressed that the team will give their best and hopes to make it to the final round although the team has not got much time to prepare. Tenzing urged people to come forward to support the state team in the tournament.
Team coach, Suresh Mukhia said that the best players of the state playing for different clubs in and outside the state have been hand picked for the tournament and it would hopefully bear fruit.
Likewise, team manager, Arjun Rai mentioned that in a short span of time a good set of team has been constituted to represent the state. He also said that the team has the advantage of playing on home ground and crowd support would hopefully help the team to be the best in the tournament.



Sikkim to take on Arunachal Pradesh in the Dr T Ao Memorial football tourney on FridaSikkim will play against Arunachal Pradesh in the inaugural match of the Dr T Ao Memorial Football Tournament 2012 on Friday.
Sikkim has been placed in Group A along with Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Assam, while Group B has the defending champion, Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya.
In this league cum knock-out football tournament, each team has to play three matches against teams in its group and the top two teams in the group will then enter the semi-final rounds.
Sikkim will be playing its next game against Mizoram on 04 March and then against Assam on 06 March.