Khowai, 07 August 2025: Bringing an end to a long wait, Netaji Play Centre (NPC) emerged as champions of the Sachindra Deb Memorial Football Tournament, held at the synthetic turf of Khowai Government Higher Secondary School. In an electrifying final on Wednesday, NPC defeated the 6th Battalion of TSR with a commanding 3-0 scoreline.
The hero of the match was undoubtedly Manish Debbarma, who netted twice in the second half to seal the victory for NPC. The match drew a large crowd, with football enthusiasts filling the venue from as early as 3:30 PM.
NPC took the lead in the 20th minute of the first half through a goal by Rajib Jamatia. In the second half, Manish Debbarma’s brilliance proved too much for TSR. He scored back-to-back goals in the 22nd and 27th minutes, ensuring NPC’s triumph.
The prize distribution ceremony was graced by several dignitaries including Khowai Zilla Parishad Chairperson Aparna Singh Roy, Khowai Municipal Council Chairperson Debashish Nath Sharma, eminent personalities Amit Rakshit, Binoy Debbarma, Anukul Chandra Das, and Khowai Football Association President Sameer Kumar Das, among others.
Awards and Honours:
- Champions: Netaji Play Centre (NPC) — Trophy and ₹50,000 cash
- Runners-up: TSR 6th Battalion — Trophy and ₹30,000 cash
- Man of the Final: Manish Debbarma (NPC)
- Man of the Tournament: Manish Debbarma (NPC)
- Best Goalkeeper: Akashu Debbarma (Kalyanpur Mandal)
With two individual titles, Manish Debbarma emerged as the most impactful player of the tournament. The successful organization of the event has added fresh momentum to the football scene in Khowai.
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