T. Zawlnuam Clinch Inter-Village Independence Day Football Trophy 2025 with Dominant 3-0 Final Win

The much fan-fare Inter-Village Independence Day Football Tournament 2025 has finally unfolded as T. Zawlnuam defied all odds to lift the prestigious trophy as double-strike by William Neihsial and an effort by Gogou Hangshing earned them a comfortable 3-0 win in yesterday's final showpiece.

The tournament was organised by Chikim Group in collaboration with DSA Churachandpur at Lamka Football Ground, Hiangtam Lamka although matches were also played at Saikawt Playground till the quarter-final stages.

The closing ceremony was attended by Chiefs of T. Zawlnuam and Misao Lhahvom; Chiefs of Hiangtam Lamka and Saikawt; Khaan Vaiphei, CEO Chikim Enterprises; CDSA President and all chiefs of participating teams as Chief Guests, Guests of Honour, Chief Host, Functional President and Special Invitees, respectively while highly reputed artistes Kim Paite, Jimmy Lamboi, Muan Hangzo and TT Lal Zou enthralled the gatherings. Before kick-off, the National Anthem was also sung as a mark of honour of India's Independence Day.

The final match between T. Zawlnuam and Misao Lhahvom were not that much spectacular as T. Zawlnuam emerged comfortable 3-0 winners. In a one-sided final match played in a water-logged surface, William Neihsial opened the scoring in as early as the 3rd minute with a simple tap-in from close-range and midway through the first-half, William Neihsial added his second goal as he reacted quickest to poke home from goal-mouth after Gogou Hangshing's initial attempt got stuck in the goalline. The second-half saw Misao Lhahvom showing little improvement but they were far from launching a rare comeback as they were lacking urgency and firepower. To seal a comfortable 3-0 win, Gogou Hangshing scored a superb free-kick goal and T. Zawlnuam emerged 3-0 winners to clinch the trophy and a cash prize of Rs. 1 Lakh.

Runners-Up Misao Lhahvom earned a consolation prize of Rs. 50,000 while beaten semi-finalists C. Joupi and S. Muoldung were rewarded with Rs. 10,000 each.

The tournament was participated by 25 teams and it was the first time this tournament has been conducted. The tournament is a rolling trophy and it will be conducted every year, as per the organisers.

Roll of Honours:

Champions (₹1 Lakh) : T. Zawlnuam Village.

Runners-Up (₹50,000) : Misao Lhahvom Village.

Best Player : William Neihsial (T. Zawlnuam).

Top-Scorer: Gogou Hangshing (8 goals).

Best Goalkeeper: L. Jeson Vaiphei (Misao Lhahvom).

Man-of-the-Match (Final) : Seigoulun @ Gou Kuki.

Best Organised Team : Rengkai.

Best Team (Best Disciplined/0 cards) : B. Ebenezer.