Staff reporter
DIPHU, Sep 19: The 3rd Inter Parish Knock Out Football Tournament organised in loving memory of Fr. Matthew Thomas by the Inter Parish Football Committee at KASA Stadium, Diphu began on Monday 18, September 2023 at 6 p.m.
The opening match was played between Dokmoka Parish and Mowjem Parish. Dokmoka Parish defeated its opponent 4-2 to move ahead in the tournament. For Dokmoka, goals were scored by Turbong Kro (10th minute), Alson Ekka (42nd & 63rd minute), and Bijoy Kujur (62nd minute). For the Mowjem parish, goals were scored by Damiki Hadem (31st minute) and Johnliness Laban (49th minute).
In the opening match ceremony, the chief guest was KAAC EM Richard Tokbi. Speaking on the occasion, he thanked the organisers for encouraging and patronizing the young and talented footballers of the district by giving them the opportunity to exhibit their talent by organising such a tournament.
The 3rd Inter knock-out Football Tournament organising Committee president Bibison Tisso informed media persons that this year a total of 18 teams are participating in the tournament. The team are the parish from Dokmoka, Maujem, Sarihajan, Disobai, Sojong, Dolamara, Chokihola, Diphu, Satgaon, Hamren, Umrongso, Hidipi, Langhemphi, Jirikindeng, Dhansiri, Rongbonghat, Japrajan and Langmili.
Organising committee secretary Fr. Nelson Teron informed that the winning team will be given prize money of Rs. 50,000 along with a trophy, and the runners-up will be awarded Rs. 30,000 and a trophy. Besides, there will be individual awards as well.
Among other guests present in the opening ceremony were Lumbajong MAC Johny Timung, KASA general secretary Dr. Pankaj Teron, Bishop of Diphu Rev. Paul Mattekal, Fr. John Timung, VDC chairman John Hanse, KASA officials, Catholic Church elders and other dignitaries.
In today’s match, Hidipi Parish suffered a 5-2 defeat playing against the strong team of Umrongso Parish.