Mizoram's Sawkawrdai GSA win 19th Lt Col Rajeev Bakhshi Memorial Football Tournament

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jan 20: The 19th edition of Lt Col Rajeev Bakhshi, SM (P) Memorial Football Tournament came to a thrilling end at Mini Stadium in Parbung, Pherzawl district with the final match between Parbung Youth Club and Sawkawrdai GSA from Mizoram.
In a nail-biting finish before a 5000 strong audience, Sawkawrdai GSA emerged as the champions, defeating Parbung Youth Club 2-1.
Organised by the Assam Rifles, the tournament is held in the memory of Lt Col Rajeev Bakhshi, who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty while fighting insurgents in Manipur on January 20, 2006. His bravery and selflessness has inspired generations and this tournament is a testament to his enduring legacy, said IGAR (South) in a statement.
The tournament saw 16 teams from Pherzawl, Churachandpur, and Mizoram competing for the title.
The Assam Rifles’ commitment to fostering youth engagement and promoting peace through sports is evident in this tournament. By bringing together teams from different regions, the tournament promotes unity, sportsmanship, and a sense of harmony, said AR.
The success of this tournament is a tribute to the enduring legacy of Lt Col Rajeev Bakhshi and a testament to the power of sports to bring people together, it added.
A wreath laying ceremony in the memory of Lt Col Rajeev Bakhshi SM (P) was held before the final match.