Thadou Trophy final today

Our Correspondent
KANGPOKPI, May 6: After a month of breathtaking actions, the 4th edition of the Thadou Trophy 2021 is all but set for its conclusion tomorrow when Dr Nehginpao Memorial Team and Kuki Football Academy go head-to-head for what is expected to be a fierce final encounter at Saparmeina public ground, Kangpokpi District.
The final match cum closing ceremony will be graced by P Doungel, DGP, Manipur; Brigadier PS Arora, DIG, 22-Sector, IG (E), Assam Rifles and M Jamkhomang Haokip, general secretary, Thadou Inpi, GHQs  as chief guest, guest of honour and functional president respectively.
Tomorrow’s final tussle will be a fierce clash between two early tournament’s favourites Dr Nehginpao Memorial Team and Kuki Football Academy.
After switching past group-stage unscathed, both sides saw off strong opponents on their way to the final. Having beaten another heavyweights FC Concord 3-1 in the quarter-finals, Dr Nehginpao Memorial Team went on to beat Thadou Students’ Association, Sadar Hills 1-0 to reach the final.
Meanwhile, Kuki Football Academy clinched a marathon 4-3 thriller win against Haipi Youth Club in the quarter-final and carried along their fine goal-scoring run as they beat The Legends 4-2 in the semi-final.
So, considering the results both sides have had, it is pertinent to point out that tomorrow’s showpiece will be a battle between a team with well-disciplined defensive record and one with unprecedented attacking intent.
Dr Nehginpao Memorial Team are being formed in loving memory of Dr Nehginpao Kipgen, a renowned scholar and a political scientist who had died of Covid-19 pandemic while Kuki Football Academy is a residential football academy which is based at D Phaihel, Kangpokpi district.
The winners of tomorrow’s final match will pocket a sum of Rs 1,00,000 cash incentive while the runners-up team will walk away with Rs 50,0000.
Apart from a consolation prize of Rs 20,000 and Rs 10,000 for the third-placed team and fourth-placed team respectively, attractive individual prizes will also be rewarded to deserving players. Final match kick-off is due to take place after first session of the closing ceremony which is scheduled at 11 am tomorrow.