By Our Reporter
Shillong, Feb 17: The fourth edition of the Assam Rifles Sentinels Cup Football Tournament (Men & Women) 2026 got underway with much fanfare in Shillong on Tuesday, reaffirming the region’s enduring love for the beautiful game.
The competition, scheduled from February 17 to 27, is being held at multiple venues in the city, with league matches up to the semifinals staged at Nongkrem Football Ground and Assam Rifles Laitkor Ground.
The finals in both categories will be played at SSA 1 Ground, Polo, on February 27.
In the women’s category opening match, Assam Rifles Football Team delivered a commanding performance to blank Laitkor SC 5-0. Sumati Kumari and N Roni Devi scored two goals each, while Santosh added one to complete the rout.
The clinical display set the tone for what promises to be a fiercely competitive tournament. A total of eight teams each in the men’s and women’s sections are competing in a league-cum-knockout format.
Apart from Assam Rifles teams, clubs from Meghalaya, along with sides representing the Indian Army and Meghalaya Police, are also in the fray.
The champions in both categories will receive a cash prize of ₹3 lakh along with the Sentinels Cup trophy, while the runners-up will be awarded ₹2 lakh each.
