TMB Report
IMPHAL: To honor the memory of the fallen military hero Lt Col Rajeev Bakhshi, the 15th edition of the annual Memorial Football Tournament was organised by Assam Rifles at Parbung in Manipur from 13 to 20 January 2021.
The annual tournament was organised by Assam Rifles in coordination with Hmar Youth and the Parbung Youth Associations.
The tournament concluded today with the finals being played between Parbung ‘A’ and Damdiei ‘A’ teams.
Homage was paid by DIG, 27 Sector Assam Rifles and former MLA, Mr N G Sanglur, to Lt Col Rajeev Bakhshi, Sena Medal (Posthumous) at the Bakhshi Hill Memorial in Parbung. This was followed up by presentation of a military Guard of Honour to the fallen hero.
The annual tournament is organised to mark the supreme sacrifice made by Lt Col Rajeev Bakhshi, Sena Medal of 13 DOGRA at Parbung on 20 January 2006 while fighting insurgents.
An excellent display of skills, determination and sportsmanship was put up by both the teams which were appreciated by the spectators. In the thrilling finale, the Parbung team came from a goal down to beat their strong opponents.
In a mark of respect to the fallen soldier, the Parbung Women’s Association organised a “Coffin March” followed by the Pengpelep Band playing the traditional Dogra song “Bhala Sipahiya Dogriya”. A Pipe Band display was also organised by 34 Assam Rifles.
The Hmar Cultural Warriors performed the War Dance and the Parbung Women’s Association proved their prowness displaying bamboo dance followed by dance choreographed by girl students of Parbung.
The final was followed by prize distribution. The winners took home the coveted Trophy, Gold Medals and Rs 35,000 prize. The runners up took home the Silver Medals and Rs 23,000 prize. The Golden Boot carrying a prize money of Rs 2500 was won by Pu Rosanglien of the Parbung team who scored 17 goals in the tournament. The Golden Gloves and prize of Rs 2500 was won by T V Alfred Lalrinmawia the goalkeeper of the Parbung Team.
The 2020-21 edition of the Lt Col Rajeev Bakhshi Memorial Tournament culminated with the National Anthem and media interaction which generated much needed cohesiveness and camaraderie between all the villages of this far flung region.
