Agiye Chalo Sangha won the Shyamsundar Co Jewellers Chandra Memorial Football League on Thursday after a 0-0 draw with Kalyan Samiti at Umakanta Mini Stadium, while Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha urged greater youth participation in sports to promote physical and mental well-being and support the drive for a drug-free Tripura.
Key Takeaways:
- Agiye Chalo Sangha won the Chandra Memorial Football League after a 0-0 draw with Kalyan Samiti, finishing ahead on goal difference.
- Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha said sports support physical and mental development and can help build a drug-free Tripura.
- Agiye Chalo Sangha received Rs 1 lakh and the championship trophy, while several players won individual awards.
Agiye Chalo Sangha secured the Shyamsundar Co Jewellers Chandra Memorial Football League title after a goalless draw with Kalyan Samiti at Umakanta Mini Stadium on Thursday. The result allowed Agiye Chalo to finish ahead on goal difference and reclaim the league crown after one year.
Chief Minister Professor (Dr) Manik Saha attended the closing and prize distribution ceremony. He said sports go beyond entertainment and contribute to the physical and mental development of people. He also called for greater youth participation in sports as part of efforts to build a healthy and drug-free society.
Agiye Chalo Hold Firm in Title Decider
The league title came down to the final match between Agiye Chalo Sangha and Kalyan Samiti. Agiye Chalo already had an advantage in goal difference. Kalyan Samiti therefore needed a victory to overtake its rival and claim the championship.
Agiye Chalo adopted a cautious strategy from the start. The team strengthened its defence and looked to counter-attack.
Kalyan Samiti took the more attacking approach. Its players tried to put the Agiye Chalo defence under pressure from the opening minutes.
The attacking efforts, however, did not produce the required breakthrough. Agiye Chalo’s defence remained organised and prevented Kalyan Samiti from finding the decisive goal.
Both teams created chances during the match. Their forwards, however, could not finish the opportunities. The first half ended 0-0.
Kalyan Samiti increased the pressure after the interval. The team launched repeated attacks in search of the goal it needed to change the title race.
Agiye Chalo continued to defend effectively. Despite the pressure, Kalyan Samiti could not breach its defence.
The match ended 0-0. The result was enough for Agiye Chalo to retain its advantage in goal difference and lift the league trophy.
Early Win Proves Decisive
Agiye Chalo had built an important goal-difference advantage earlier in the Super League phase. The club defeated Lal Bahadur Byayamagar 6-2 in its opening match.
That victory gave Agiye Chalo a strong position in the title race. The advantage eventually proved decisive when the final match ended without a goal.
For Kalyan Samiti, the draw ended its hopes of winning a double title. The club needed a victory in the final encounter to move ahead of Agiye Chalo.
Agiye Chalo’s disciplined defensive approach ultimately helped the team protect its lead and complete the season as champions.
CM Stresses Role of Sports in Youth Development
Speaking to journalists after the match, Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha said young people should be encouraged to take part in sports in greater numbers.
He said sports are not merely a source of entertainment. They help people develop physically and mentally.
Saha said the state government is pursuing a sports-friendly approach and has expanded sports infrastructure across Tripura.
The government has upgraded facilities in Agartala as well as at district and sub-divisional levels, he said. The objective is to bring more students and young people into sporting activities.
The government has also developed astro-turf grounds at different locations across the state.
Focus on Football and Tribal Talent
Saha described football as one of the most popular sports in Tripura. He said the government is arranging exhibition matches involving national-level teams to encourage emerging footballers.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the sporting potential among the state’s tribal youth.
He said the government wants more tribal boys and girls to achieve recognition and establish themselves through sports.
Saha also said the government is honouring former sportspersons by naming tracks and galleries at different sports grounds after talented players from Tripura.
He urged everyone to cooperate in taking the state further ahead in sports.
Sports Linked to Drug-Free Tripura
The Chief Minister also linked sports promotion with the government’s efforts to build a drug-free Tripura.
He said the government follows a zero-tolerance policy towards substance abuse. According to Saha, sports provide an important avenue to keep young people engaged in healthy activities.
He called for wider participation in sports to help create a healthy and positive environment for the younger generation.
Agiye Chalo Players Receive Awards
At the closing ceremony, Saha presented the championship trophy and a cheque for Rs 1 lakh to Agiye Chalo Sangha.
Kalyan Samiti, the runners-up, received a trophy and Rs 75,000.
Agiye Chalo’s Siyam Puiya was named Player of the Match in the title-deciding fixture.
The club also collected the Best Goalkeeper award through Surjit Jamatia. Town Club’s Akash Tripura won the Best Emerging Footballer award.
Agiye Chalo’s Shurukhambai Meitei finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 12 goals.
Aditya Debbarma received the Best Referee of the Season award.
Club Plans Bigger Squad
The league victory sparked celebrations within the Agiye Chalo camp after the club returned to the top following a one-year gap.
Club secretary Sumanta Gupta said the management has decided to give financial rewards to the players for their achievement.
He also said the club plans to build a stronger squad with a bigger budget next season.
Tripura Football Association president Pranab Sarkar, secretary Amit Chowdhury, Shyamsundar Co Jewellers proprietor Rupak Saha, Arpita Saha and other football officials and guests attended the closing ceremony.
The title victory gave Agiye Chalo Sangha the league crown, while the ceremony underlined the wider emphasis on sports as a means of youth development and the campaign for a drug-free Tripura.
