Dibrugarh: In an effort to revive football culture across tea garden communities, Assam Company India Ltd has launched a football tournament involving its tea estates.
Founded in 1839, Assam Company currently operates 14 tea gardens. This year, it introduced the Assam Company Gold Cup Football Tournament to reconnect young players with the sport, once deeply rooted in Assam’s tea garden culture.
Football has traditionally enjoyed strong popularity in tea estates, with many players from these communities having gone on to represent Assam and even play at the national level. However, in recent years, participation has declined due to a lack of organised sporting events.
“Our aim is to revive football in the tea garden areas,” said one of the event organisers. “The sport has always been part of the community’s identity, but the enthusiasm faded because no structured tournaments were held. I want to thank Assam Company India Ltd for taking the initiative. There are many talented young players here — they only need a platform.”
Maijan Tea Estate lifted the 2025 Gold Cup title on Friday, defeating Kondoli Tea Estate with a commanding 6-0 win in the final held at Thanai Tea Estate in Dibrugarh.
Maijan’s players dominated throughout the match. Imran Karmakar scored the opening goal in the fifth minute, followed by two goals from Abhinash Murah. Sajan Karmakar, Sumon Gowala and Rohan Murah added one goal each to secure the win.
All 14 tea estates under the company participated in the tournament.