Football is the most popular game among the youth in northeast. The 59th edition of Sir Churachand Singh KCSI CBE Memorial Football Tournament, popularly known as CC meet, was recently held in Manipur.
Over 15,000 spectators cheered for their favourite teams. 21 teams participated in tournament held at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal.
NEROCA football club (FC) and Southern Sporting Union (SSU) competed against each other in the finals. The tournament was held under the aegis of All Manipur Football Association (AMFA).
"We witnessed the closing function, the final match of the 59th edition of Sir Churachand Singh KCSI CBE Memorial Football Tournament. In this tournament, we witnessed a good game," said Ranjit Roy, General Secretary, All Manipur Football Association.
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The fourth time winner of the championship, NEROCA FC, got a cash prize of Rs. five lakh along with the trophy while the runner-ups Southern Sporting Union received Rs. two lakh and a trophy.
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"The match is good. Teams are very strong here but in Manipur NEROCA is the best. We tried our best. Our coach, manager, everything came out best and we showed it our best," said Offor Emeka Christian, a player of NEROCA FC.
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Football is not just a craze in northeast but it's a way of life.
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"Now, so many upcoming players have come out so it's very good. In Manipur, football game has developed a lot. So, now we can play in the I-league and will try our best to win the I-league," added another player Royaltha.