Heirok Higher Secondary School lift Subroto Cup Boys U-14 title

Former Indian footballer Nirmal Chettri claimed that the boys are lucky to get a platform like this.

Heirok Higher Secondary,Imphal, Manipur won the 61st Subroto Cup International Football Tournament Boys U-14 title beating Barway High School, Gumla,Jharkhand 2 - 0 in the final here at the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Stadium. The winners received their trophies from Chief Guest Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari AVSM VM, Deputy Chief of Air Staff. Nirmal Chettri, former Indian team Footballer was also present as Guest of Honour.

The match saw fierce competition from both the teams. Manipur had most of the possession but the Jharkhand defence was determined and thwarted the attacks of the Manipur side. The first goal of the match came through a penalty when L. Bikramjit was fouled inside the box. He converted the penalty to give Heirok HSS the lead in the first half. Second Half also saw both teams creating chances but either teams could not convert. The second goal came from a corner which was brilliantly headed in by TH Shital to seal the match and the trophy for the school from Manipur.

Speaking on the occasion, Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari AVSM VM, Deputy Chief of Air Staff, said, “It is wonderful to see such incredible young talent compete in the spirit of the game. The beauty of the Subroto Cup is that it brings together the best of young footballing talent from across the nation under one roof and this year the Boys U-14 tournament has been an apt reflection of that with 28 teams representing their states and union territories. I congratulate not only the winners today, but also all the teams and their coaches and support staff for the admirable effort to reach this far. I wish you all the best for the future and am confident that the Subroto Cup experience will help you achieve even greater heights.”

Nirmal Chettri also provided encouragement and tips to the budding footballers saying, “You are very lucky to have got a platform like the Subroto Cup as a stepping stone to your footballing career. All I can say is that if you wish to become successful footballers in the future, practice and compete every day like you are playing a world cup final. It is only through total commitment and dedication towards achieving excellence day in and day out, that you can achieve your dreams. That is not only true for sport, but for any field that you want to pursue. Once again, congratulations to all the winners.”

The 61st Subroto Cup now moves on to the Girls U-17 tournament which begins on September 19, 2022, with the final scheduled for September 28, 2022.

Individual Awards

Best Player: Akash Mardi, Barway HS

Best Goalkeeper: Ngangom Surmani Singh, Heirok HSS

Best Coach: Sambunath Oraon, Barway HS

Fair Play Trophy: Zinc Football Academy, Rajasthan

Best School: Heirok HSS, Imphal, Manipur