19th Lt. Col. Rajeev Bakhshi Memorial Football Tournament Concludes with Thrilling Final

The 19th edition of the Lt. Col. Rajeev Bakhshi, SM (P) Memorial Football Tournament came to an exhilarating conclusion today with a wreath-laying ceremony in honor of Lt. Col. Rajeev Bakhshi at the Mini Stadium in Parbung, Pherzawl District. The ceremony was followed by an intense final match between Parbung Youth Club and Sawkawrdai GSA.

The tournament, organized by the Assam Rifles and "Friends of the North East," is held annually in memory of Lt. Col. Rajeev Bakhshi, who made the ultimate sacrifice while fighting insurgents in Manipur on January 20, 2006. His bravery and selflessness continue to inspire generations, and the tournament serves as a tribute to his enduring legacy.

This year's tournament featured 16 teams from Pherzawl, Churachandpur, and Mizoram, who battled through league matches, quarterfinals, and semifinals to reach the final. A crowd of approximately 5,000 gathered to witness the exciting showdown between Parbung Youth Club and Sawkawrdai GSA, which ended in a nail-biting 2-1 victory for Sawkawrdai GSA.

The tournament exemplified the Assam Rifles' dedication to fostering youth engagement, promoting peace, and strengthening bonds among communities through sports. By bringing together participants from different regions, it provided an opportunity for unity, sportsmanship, and a shared sense of harmony.

The successful conclusion of the 19th Lt. Col. Rajeev Bakhshi Memorial Football Tournament stands as a testament to the power of sports to transcend boundaries and create lasting connections. Through this event, Lt. Col. Bakhshi’s legacy continues to inspire and unite the people of the region.