Skip to content Skip to navigation

Hornbills lift Tamchon trophy

By AT News |

In a joyous moments, the Hornbills shouted "Hip Hip Hurray! They defeated Zeliangrong FC 2-0 in the final match of 11th ONGC North-East Tamchon Football Tournament held in Dr Ambedkar Stadium, New Delhi on December 2, 2017. 

North-East, the land of football lovers, from the nook and corner of the national capital, Delhi gathered and flocked together in a group supporting their favourite team in the final kick-off. Both the side of supporters came in a huge number with large banners, beating drums and whistles and blowing pipes, cheering their team players. The fans of Zeliangrong FC screamed heavily, "Zeliangrong Rintelo!" On the other side, the groups of Hornbill joyfully shouted, "Long Live, Hornbill!"A dramatic and exciting moment of the year.  

Defending champion (also of 2015) Muvanlai Athletics and Hmar FC fiercely fought for the third place title. The defending champion Muvanlai has been thrashed badly by the Hmars in 5-Zero goals. It was really a sad day for the fans and supporters of Muvanlai (in Kuki, Eagle).  

Mr Jikil Basumatary of Bodo FC received the best goalkeeper award, Zeliangrong's Abhishak got best defender award, Vikas of Zeliangrong FC got best midfielder award, Hornbill's Akbar Khan got best striker award, Indian Air Force got best team award, Best coach goes to NK Tadoubou of Hornbill FC, and Muvanlai's Paobul Haokip got best manager award.  The most and best eye-on, Mr Ansh Gupta of Hornbill received the award Man of the tournament. 

The closing ceremony was graced by Shri Conrad Sangma, Member of Parliament (MP), and Shri Ameising Luikham, IAS, Secretary of Minority Affairs, Govt of India, as the chieft guest and guest of honour respectively. 

The special invitees include Shri Shashi Shanker, CMD, ONGC; Smt Supriya Sahu, IAS, Director General, Doordarshan; and Shri David Lalrinsanga, IPS, Joint Commissioner of Police (also the nodal officer for northeast people), Delhi. 

The crowd assembled at Ambedkar Stadium, which was enterained by Retrosonic. Everyone raised up ang sang the theme song: "Go Light Your World", led by Ms Melody Varte. 

Traditional performances like Pung Cholom (a typical dance from Manipur) and Dragon Dance has raised the eye-brows.   

North-East loves not only football, it also music! A beautiful and soft-spoken lady, Ms Melody Varte mesmerized the crowd. A young gentleman Themreishang Awungshi has electrifide the huge crowd with his melodious songs. 

It may be mentioned that Mr Ngaranmi Shimray, Vice-President, TNSD gave the welcome address and Ms Chingri Zimik, Joint Secretary, TNSD gave away the vote-of-thanks. 

Addressing the crowd as the chief guest Shri Conrad Sangma said he is also a football lover and played as a goalkeeper in his hey days. He said i love football, and i also saved many goals when i was a keeper! I wish both the finalist team to play their very best. 

While speaking to the media, Mr Ngaranmi Shimray said, we are trying our best and we co-ordinate between the players and Indian clubs, who are looking for prospective players. It was a blessing for our people. That they, our boys (those who played in this trophy), can go in a professional way by entering into big big Indian teams/clubs. "Now i am in continuous contacts with many clubs' mangers and coaches". "This year, even Chinese, Thais, Koreans were requesting for a slot, though we want to give them, but it was not possible. However, we (the organisers) looking forward in such a way to accomodate many more.  As football has no boundaries, we, the organisers has not boundaries at all. See, the Indian Air Force and Gorkha, has been accomdated. By the way, we all are Indians, game is a game. That's we love and called football", Mr Shimray stated. 

Let's go back to the semi for awhile, why? It was the biggests fights ever. Two great teams, died in semi!  Fans believed these two team willl clashed in the final, but hope despairs, when the kick-off began.  

The champion of 2014 & 2013, Hmar FC lost to Zeliangrong by One-Zero, and the defending champion of 2016 & 2015, Muvanlai Athletics lost to Hornbill FC by One-Zero in the semi final. Eagle (=muvanlai) could not kill Hornbill bird! 

Interestingly, these two team Hmar FC and Zeliangrong FC met only in the semi final. Unluckily, Hmar FC stopper turned the ball into a suicidal goal in the 23rd-minute, while trying to defend the ball infront of the goalie, the ball spined-off from his leg and entered into their own goal. Thats, the unlucky part of Hmars! Even this reporter, a supporter of Hmar FC, closed down his pen, as a sign of support to Hmar pasaltha (good men or martyrs)! 

The great Hmars had lost two finals to Zeliangrongs, in the year 2012 and 2008. Zeliangrong lost to Muvanlai in 2016 final. 

This time, 2017, Muvanlai was defeated by Hornbill in the semi, through Mr Hemta turning the ball into goal in 42th minute. The match was full of excitement, and cheerings from the huge fans and supporters of both side. For Muvanlai, two closely attempts, just only 2-3 feet away from the goalie, the first kicked was blocked away by the goalie. Then Muvanlai striker hastily kicked towards the goal, but it straightly hit the goalpost and bounced back. Hornbill FC also missed another three good-attempts. Either side could not enter goal throught out the end. 

Lastly, but not the least, the birds of Hornbill has ais from Gurgaon, all the goals originated from his passings (in football, its called suppliers). He has three eyes in the field, but two in physical. he has supplied the balls to the right-winger, and to the left. He remained in the mid. The third-eye, is in the middle, but guarded by many Zeliangrongs, so he feat the ball into many ways!   

The winner takes away the Trophy alongwith Cash Rs 5 Lakhs, runners-up has Rs 3 Lakhs, 3rd Place Rs 2 Lakhs and the quater-finalist team received Rs 25,000 each.  

NETFT has began in 2007 under the aegis of Tangkhul Naga Society Delhi (TNSD) in memory of a young police officer named Mr Tamchon Raingam, an ACP (Asst Commissioner of Police), Delhi. Since its inception, the theme of the tournament is "Unity, Friendship, Understanding and Sportsmanship".

The event is also popular for its various cultural exhibitions. The opening and closing ceremonies exhibits the reich cultural hertiage of the North-East regions. Officials from the organising committee, says, till now, more than 5000 footballers have participated in Tamchon football. More than a hundred have been placed in elite national clubs! Amazing!! 

Not to forget, forget me not! There were many beautiful lady-volunteers, who caters us --- giving tea and snaks to the guests and mediapersons --- with beautiful smiles and disciplined approached, so much so that, we often want to leave the podium, and sit among the crowd. But many of us, were being embedded! Thanks to them, whom we don't know their names.

 

  • 8650 reads

Add new comment

Other Contents by Author

Karbi Leader Detained for Demanding Eviction of ‘Illegal Settlers’

In a move that has sparked anger and unease, police in Diphu have detained Karbi youth leader and social activist Lichong Rongphar for spearheading protests demanding eviction of alleged illegal settlers from VGR (Village Grazing Reserve) and PGR (Professional Grazing Reserve) lands in Karbi Anglong. The irony is stark: while Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s government is carrying out aggressive eviction drives in the plains—Lakhimpur, Dhubri, Goalpara and Uriamghat—similar demands raised in Karbi Anglong are being met with police crackdowns instead of action. Rongphar had been leading a series of mass protests, insisting that Bengali and Bihari settlers occupying VGR and PGR...

Bhupen Hazarika’s Kuthori Residence Handed Over to Locals for Preservation

On the auspicious occasion of the birth centenary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, the Assam government has handed over the legendary singer’s neglected residence at Kuthori, Kaziranga, to local residents for preservation. For the past five years, the house—once vibrant with the maestro’s harmonium, tabla, and compositions—had fallen into disrepair, leaving fans and admirers disheartened. Although the government had acquired the property at a cost of ₹2.51 crore from Fatik Nyog five years ago, no concrete conservation efforts had been initiated since. Responding to repeated demands from villagers, the government announced today that the residence will be developed into a cultural...

USTM Pays Glowing Tribute to Dr. Bhupen Hazarika on 100th Birth Anniversary

The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) celebrated the 100th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika with a vibrant cultural programme at its Central Auditorium. Themed “Voice of Bhupen Hazarika: Voice of the People; Leading to a Harmonious Society,” the event featured visual presentations, floral tributes, and lively performances by students and faculty. Prasanta Rajguru, Editor-in-Chief of Prag News, delivered the keynote, highlighting five iconic songs of the maestro and their historical relevance. Actor Kamal Singh presented a special tribute performance, while dignitaries including Dr. Aparna Buzarbaruah graced the occasion. The celebration...

Pallas’s Cat Documented for the First Time in Arunachal Pradesh

In a landmark wildlife discovery, the elusive Pallas’s Cat has been documented for the first time in Arunachal Pradesh during an extensive high-altitude survey jointly conducted by the Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of Arunachal Pradesh and WWF-India. The survey, carried out between July and September 2024, involved 136 camera traps across 2,000 sq km of rugged terrain in Tawang and West Kameng districts. It not only produced the first photographic record of Pallas’s Cat in the state, but also revealed the presence of five other wild cats — snow leopard, common leopard, clouded leopard, leopard cat, and marbled cat — at elevations above 4,200 metres...

Moran Community Launches 'Jatiya Gan Mancha' at Kakopathar Rally

In a historic gathering that marks a new chapter in Moran political mobilization, the Moran community today formally launched its new political platform, Jatiya Gan Mancha (National People’s Forum), at a mass assembly held at Kakopathar public ground. The event was convened under the aegis of leading Moran organizations, including the Assam Moran Sabha, All Moran Students’ Union, Moran Mahila Parishad, Moran Sahitya Sabha, Moran Art & Culture Development Centre, and the Moran National Educational Development Forum. The assembly commenced with ceremonial tributes to the community’s forebears, accompanied by devotional songs and cultural performances, setting a solemn and festive tone...

Fighting CAA in Court, Sharing Power in Govt – Where Does AGP Really Stand?

The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) loves to wear the mantle of regionalism. It proudly recalls its birth from the Assam Agitation and the sacrifices of 855 martyrs. Yet every fresh controversy over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) exposes the party for what it has become: a political outfit addicted to power, reduced to theatrics whenever Assamese identity is threatened. The script is depressingly familiar. In 2019, when CAA protests shook Assam, AGP staged a high-decibel drama—ministers resigned, alliance with the BJP was declared broken, the party promised to stand with the people. Two months later, under the cover of midnight negotiations, AGP crawled back into power, its leaders...

"Lawless Country—or Lawless Citizens?”: Gemini Loriak’s Viral Video Exposes Public Hypocrisy

Arunachal Pradesh law teacher Gemini Loriak has shaken the internet with a viral classroom talk that cuts deep into India’s collective conscience. In her fiery remarks, she dismantles the stereotype of India as a “lawless country,” declaring that it is not the absence of laws but the refusal of citizens to follow them that creates chaos. Loriak points to everyday hypocrisy: bribing to bypass queues, fastening seatbelts only when police are in sight, dismissing domestic violence as a “private matter,” normalizing harassment, and celebrating VIP culture while preaching equality. Quoting the Constitution—Article 14 on Equality, Article 21 on the Right to Life with Dignity, and Article...

Child’s death at Guwahati flyover site leads to arrests of contractor firm officials

In a swift development following public outrage, Assam Police have arrested three officials of Bhartia Infra Projects Ltd (BIPL) after the tragic death of a three-year-old boy who fell into an uncovered drain at the Arya Nagar flyover construction site in Guwahati. The incident, which occurred earlier this week, triggered shock across the city and led to demands for accountability from both the company and government authorities. According to reports, the toddler, identified as Sunit Kumar, slipped into an unguarded drain within the construction zone. CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts later revealed several exposed manholes and drains left unattended at the site. The flyover work had...

A Cry for Dignity on a Sacred Day

The morning broke like any other Teachers’ Day in Assam. Classrooms across the state were filled with garlands, songs, and the eager smiles of children bowing before their teachers. But while thousands of students offered prayers and gifts, more than 9,000 tutors left their schools behind and walked instead to the Latashil playground in Guwahati. It was here, on this very day of reverence, that the tutors chose protest over celebration. With banners aloft and voices hoarse with slogans, they demanded not flowers but justice. “We have given our entire lives to teaching,” one grey-haired tutor said, his eyes moist, his voice trembling. “Today we should have been in the classroom,...

Teachers’ Association Calls New Provincialisation Law a “Teacher-Killer Act”

Guwahati, September 5: On the occasion of Teachers’ Day, the All Assam Non-Provincialised Teachers’ and Employees’ Association strongly condemned the state government for neglecting their long-standing demand for provincialisation of services. Addressing a press conference at Dispur Press Club today, the organisation’s leaders narrated the decades of hardship faced by nearly 4,500 teachers and employees who continue to serve schools and colleges without provincial status. Many of them have been working since the 1990s but remain deprived of government recognition and financial security. Association secretary Purabi Kalita Saikia termed the new provincialisation law introduced by the...