10th YSU football tournament kicks off

The three-day 10th edition of the Yachem Students’ Union (YSU) Football Tournament commenced on Wednesday at the Local Ground, Yachem, with Lipok Pongen, JE, DRDA Longleng, gracing the occasion as the special guest.
In his address, Pongen lauded the YSU for consistently organizing the tournament since its inception in 2010. He underscored the importance of nurturing young players holistically, identifying their talents, and using the tournament as a platform to promote sports. He urged participants to maintain discipline, balance education with sports, and pursue the profession with vision and determination.
Highlighting the need for self-belief, he cautioned youth against indulging in intoxicants and encouraged them to explore diverse opportunities within football, including physiotherapy, training, and coaching. He also suggested the idea of establishing a sports academy in the future to systematically promote young athletes.
Earlier, O. Yanger Phom, Yachem Village Council chairman (designate), delivered a short speech. The programme was chaired by Manngai H Phom, asst. education secretary, YSU, while P. Chingnyüongshem, president of YSU, delivered the welcome note. A special song was rendered by Sanglen and Kongmei. Invocation was pronounced by Rev. M. Adao, pastor, Yachem Baptist Attoi, and benediction by Y. Sangla, president, Yachem Anüti Lunglak.