Imphal: The Assam Rifles organized the 2nd edition of the “Assam Rifles Sentinels Cup,” aligning with its sobriquet, ‘Sentinels of the North East.’ The tournament saw participation from seven teams representing Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Meghalaya, along with teams from Assam Rifles, 164 TA (H&H), and 165 TA (H&H).
The first phase of the tournament was conducted in Dimapur, Nagaland. After a series of thrilling matches, four teams advanced to the semifinals: DG Assam Rifles Team, Meghalaya (Black Dynamite), 165 TA Team, and Mizoram. The final match, set against the picturesque backdrop of the East Khasi Hills at the Laitkor Garrison in Shillong, featured the Assam Rifles team and the 165 TA team.
The Sentinels Cup commenced on July 1, 2024, in Dimapur, with the opening ceremony attended by Maj Gen Manish Kumar, IG AR (North). The tournament featured keenly contested matches, showcasing the competitive spirit of the participating teams. Sponsored by State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, Yes Bank, IndusInd Bank, and NTPC NEEPCO, the event highlighted fierce competition and nail-biting finishes.
In the final match, the Assam Rifles football team emerged victorious against the 165 TA team after a closely fought contest. The event was attended by Lt Gen P C Nair, DG Assam Rifles, and entertained spectators with high-quality football from both teams.
Promoting sports to motivate youth to stay away from insurgency and drugs, the Assam Rifles aim to identify and nurture the abundant talent in the North East for future growth. They have an MoU with the Bhaichung Bhutia Football Academy at the residential Assam Rifles Public School (Sports) to tap into the region’s football talent. This initiative supports the Government of India’s Khelo India Abhiyan and Fit India Movement, as stated in a press note from the PRO IGAR(S).
