Maj Bob Khathing football tournament begins

Our Correspondent
Senapati, Jan 10 : Maj Bob Khathing football tournament commenced at Astro Turf Ground, Senapati DHQ today with 16 teams in fray.  The event is being organised by the Red Shield Division of the Indian Army in collaboration with the Senapati District Olympic Association, Manipur (SDOAM).
The inaugural function was graced by a senior Indian Army officer, 59 Mountain Brigade, Senapati as chief guest in the presence of different rank and files of the Red Shield Division, officials of the Senapati District Olympic Association, Manipur and District Sports Association, Senapati.
Speaking as the chief guest, the senior Army officer stated that there are many men but few are legends. The name of Maj Bob Khathing is written in golden letters in the history of India, he said.
Born in 1912 in Ukhrul, he joined the British Indian Army and was later promoted to the rank of local captain in Victor Force and fought with honour against the Japanese in Burma. For his bravery on the battlefield, he was awarded the Military Cross and Member of the Order of the British Empire, he noted.
After independence, he joined the Assam Rifles and became the first officer to unfurl the tricolour flag in Tawang in 1951. Owing to his immense contribution to the North East, he was awarded Padma Shri in 1957 before he was sent as an Ambassador to Burma from 1972-75, he recalled.
While wishing all the players the best of luck, the army officer advised the players to play hard, play fair and win friends.
A Karang, president, District Sports Association, Senapati  said it was a great honour for people of the district to host the  football tournament in honour and loving memory of Maj Ralengnao Khathing popularly known as Major Bob Khathing, whose contributions to the nation can never be forgotten. He also expressed gratitude to the Red Shield Division for taking such initiative  to organize the prestigious tournament at Senapati. He also exuded confident that the young football enthusiasts of the district will be benefited much from the tournament.
The first match was played between Zalengam FC and David Memorial FC. The tournament will culminate on January 15.