By Our Reporter
Shillong, March 28: The Assam Rifles successfully hosted the third edition of the Assam Rifles Sentinels Cup, a football tournament aimed at promoting sports and youth engagement in the Northeast.
The competition saw enthusiastic participation from ten teams representing Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura, and Assam, alongside teams from Assam Rifles, 164 TA (Naga), and 165 TA (Assam).
The tournament kicked off on March 16, 2025, in Dimapur, Nagaland, with an exciting opening ceremony. The initial phase featured intense matches with closely fought encounters, eventually narrowing down the competition to the top four teams – 165 TA, 164 TA, Manipur, and Assam.
The grand finale was concluded on Friday, at the Laitkor Garrison in Shillong, East Khasi Hills, in a thrilling contest between 164 TA (Naga) and 165 TA (Assam).
The high-stakes match remained tightly contested, ultimately extending into extra time, where 164 TA (Naga) emerged victorious to claim the prestigious title. The winning team was awarded a cash prize of ₹3,50,000.
Assam Rifles continues to promote sports as a platform to inspire youth, discourage insurgency and drug abuse, and nurture talent in the region.
The organization has also partnered with the Bhaichung Bhutia Football Academy through its Assam Rifles Public School (Sports), reinforcing its commitment to supporting the Khelo India Abhiyan and Fit India Movement.
With yet another successful edition of the Sentinels Cup, Assam Rifles has reaffirmed its mission to empower the Northeast’s sporting talent while fostering unity and excellence through football.