Kamjong: The battle for the little over two-week-long Wung Football League Season 3 has finally concluded on Saturday, with Star FC emerging as the overall champions of this year’s edition with a cash prize of Rs 2.50 lakh and a trophy.
The final match of the league, played between Vareihao FC and Hao Phungcham FA, was held at the picturesque Riha village under Kamjong district, with the former lifting the WFL Cup by 3-1 after an overwhelming match.
The closing ceremony of the WFL final cup was attended by Gift Raikhan, a former coach of NEROCA FC and technical director of Asufii Football Academy, as the chief guest, alongside former Indian football players Renedy Singh and Reisangmi Vashum, and Imphal International Airport director Chipemmi Keishing.
This year, the Wung Football League III, one of Manipur’s most prestigious and competitive football leagues, was organised by the Kamjong District Football Association (KDFA) and managed by Meiphung Foundation.
According to Yursem Varam, secretary of the Wung Football League, the main objectives of organising the league tournament are to promote the young talents from the community in a league-based tournament, and through the platform, they will nurture their talents. Also, in this year’s edition, he said, the organisers are giving more game time to the players.
The tournament served as a valuable platform for the youth of the state, especially from Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, to showcase their skills and talent. It also serves as a platform for youths to engage in positive activities and prevent them from falling into harmful influences such as drug abuse and other illegal activities.
Aning Ruivah, the chairman of the Wung Football League, expressed satisfaction over the young talents’ sportsmanship, enthusiasm, and discipline during the tournament.
“What we have witnessed in the past weeks is not just a game; it is a passion, perseverance, and pure heart on display,” he said, while thanking the referees and officials of the league for upholding the integrity of the game.
“Your presence reminds us that fairness and discipline are just as vital as skill,” he added.
Altogether, eight teams from the Ukhrul and Kamjong districts participated in the league through invitation, which was played in two different venues in the Kamjong district. The teams include Star FC, Vareihao FC, Northeast Regional Athletic Union, Gunners FC, Genesis FC, Tarung FA, Hao Phungcham FA, and Meiphung FC.
Moreover, the Wung Football League III has featured some of the top talents from the Indian Super League, I-League, and Manipur Premier League. Some of the notable names include Hormipam Ruivah of Kerala Blasters, Wungngayam Muirang of Jamshedpur FC, Dinesh Singh and Thoi Singh from Northeast United FC, and Wahengbam Angousana and Bikash from Mohammedan SC, adding spotlight to the league.
Also Read | How Pangal Meiteis ensured rescue and relief during Manipur crisis