SSP concludes Group E football championship

The Group E All India Sainik Schools National Games – Football Championship, hosted by Sainik School Punglwa (SSPN), concluded on April 9 after four days of spirited competition, showcasing discipline, sportsmanship among young cadets.
Altogether, five teams from Sainik Schools of the East Zone: Goalpara (SSG), Imphal (SSI), Chhingchhip (SSCC), East Siang (SSES), and host Punglwa (SSPN) participated in the championship.
The closing ceremony was graced by Group Commander, NCC Group Headquarters Kohima, Brig Shantanu P Mainkar, as chief guest. He was received by Principal of SSPN, Col (Dr) Smita Misra.
The highlight of the final day was the U-17 Boys final between SSI and SSES, which lived up to expectations with a high standard of competitive football. In a closely fought contest, SSI defeated SSES 1-0. SSI also clinched the U-15 Boys title, again edging past SSES 1-0. Meanwhile, SSES successfully defended their U-17 Girls title, defeating SSPN 2-0.
The winning teams will now represent the East Zone (Group E) in the upcoming Intra-Group All India Sainik Schools National Games – Football Championship.
Individual excellence was also recognized: Best Players – Cdt Gaurobi Das (SSES, U-17 Girls), Cdt Maisnam Tabungba (SSI, U-15 Boys), Cdt Bompin Gangkak (SSES, U-17 Boys).
Best Goalkeepers – Cdt Kothunee D Zeruiah (SSPN, U-17 Girls), Cdt Penngam T Yaoham (SSPN, U-15 Boys), Cdt Nisith N Saikia (SSG, U-17 Boys).
In his address, the chief guest congratulated the winners and commended all cadets for their discipline and competitive spirit. He emphasized the importance of such events in shaping future leaders and urged players to reflect on their performance to continually improve.
The championship concluded with a vote of thanks by Vice Principal, Lt Col Amit Chaudhary, followed by the ceremonial lowering of flags, marking the successful culmination of a memorable sporting event.