In a thrilling culmination of the 73rd BN Mullick Memorial All India Police Football Championship, SSB and the CISF emerged victorious in the women’s and men’s categories, respectively.
The high-stakes finals, held at the Umakanta Mini Stadium on Thursday, showcased exceptional football talent, determination, and fierce competition.
SSB Triumphs in Women’s Final
In the women’s category, SSB secured the championship title in a fiercely contested final against Assam Rifles, clinching a 3-2 victory.
The match was an intense battle from start to finish, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats.
The first half ended in a 1-1 deadlock, with both teams displaying remarkable skill and resilience. As the game progressed, SSB took the upper hand, surging to a 3-1 lead.
However, Assam Rifles fought back, narrowing the deficit to 3-2 in the final five minutes, setting up a nerve-wracking finish.
Despite their late efforts, Assam Rifles fell short, as SSB held on to claim the prestigious title.
Ranjita Devi, Sunita Munda, and Samiksha found the back of the net for SSB, while Ranjana Chanu and Kiran Bala Chanu were the goal scorers for Assam Rifles.
Earlier in the third-place playoff, Odisha Women’s Police team delivered a dominant performance, securing the second runners-up position with a resounding 6-1 win over Manipur.
The semifinals, played on Tuesday, saw SSB overpower Manipur with a commanding 6-0 victory, while Assam Rifles outplayed Odisha 4-0 to book their spots in the grand final.
CISF Clinches Men’s Title with Decisive Victory
In the men’s category, CISF emerged victorious in a nail-biting final against the Border Security Force (BSF), securing a 2-0 win to lift the championship trophy.
The clash, held at 7:00 PM on Thursday, attracted a packed crowd, eager to witness the intense showdown.
The first half saw both teams locked in a goalless battle, with neither side relenting. The game saw relentless attacks and counter-attacks, but it was CISF that broke the deadlock with a crucial strike, taking a 1-0 lead.
As BSF pushed forward in search of an equalizer, CISF capitalized on a counterattack, doubling their lead and sealing their triumph.
Earlier in the day, CRPF secured the third-place position with a dramatic victory over Punjab Police.
The third-place playoff, held at 9:30 AM, ended in an 8-7 penalty shootout win for CRPF after a gripping contest.
The semifinals, played on Wednesday, saw CISF edge past CRPF 1-0, while BSF overpowered Punjab Police 2-0 to set up the grand finale.
Grand Conclusion and Exhibition Match
The championship will conclude on Friday with a special exhibition match at 8:00 AM, featuring the All India Women’s Police Team against the All India Women’s Central Armed Police Force Team.
The tournament’s conclusion will be marked by a grand ceremony at Umakanta Mini Stadium, where the winners will be honored with awards, bringing the prestigious competition to a memorable close.