A four-day football tournament organised by 86 Battalion CRPF under the SPANDAN (Sports for Peace and Development Across the Nation) programme concluded at Noney (Longmai), Noney district, on September 14.
The tournament, held under the aegis of IG Manipur-Nagaland Sector, CRPF, and the supervision of Commandant Saurah Kumar Chaoudhary, saw participation from 12 teams in a knockout format.
Nungtek Youth Club (NYC) emerged champions after defeating Longmai Modern Youth Club (LMYC) 3–1 in the final. Alfa Omega Academy secured third place after defeating Longmai-II Youth Club 7–2.
The SPANDAN initiative, implemented under the Khelo India programme of the Sports Authority of India, seeks to promote sports, physical fitness, youth engagement, national integration and social harmony while encouraging young people to participate in constructive activities.
Padmashri N. Kunjarani Devi, the chief guest, along with 2IC of 86 Battalion CRPF W. Nandini Devi, distributed prizes to the winners. The champions received Rs. 10,000, the runners-up Rs. 6,000 and the third-place team Rs. 4,000, along with medals and certificates.
The closing ceremony was attended by Lt Col Ajay Sangwan of 119 Battalion TA, Assistant Commandants Oinam Sunil Kumar Singh and Mhasituo Krose of 86 Battalion CRPF, besides local clubs, villagers and youths.
Local residents appreciated the initiative and expressed hope that similar sports and community-oriented programmes would continue in the area.