Khello India Football Tournament Kicks Off With Grand Opening in Kangpokpi

The much-awaited Khelo India Football Tournament 2025 commenced today at South Changoubung with a vibrant and inspiring opening ceremony, reaffirming the Government of India’s commitment to nurturing grassroots sports and empowering young athletes across the nation.

The tournament, organised by the 112 BN CRPF in collaboration with the South Changoubung Youth Club (SCYC) and supported by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), will run for five days from November 17 to 21, bringing together 16 energetic teams from across the district in a thrilling knockout competition.

The opening ceremony held at South Changoubung Playground was graced by Rajesh Kumar, DIG, Kangpokpi Range, CRPF, as the Chief Guest. He was joined by key CRPF officials including RK Baruah, Commandant, 112 BN CRPF; Mukesh Taterway, 2IC, 112 BN; Deepak Kumar, 2IC, 112 BN, TS Baite, AC 113 BN. CRPF along with other officers.

Members of the South Changoubung Village Authority, Women Wing leaders, and the South Changoubung Youth Club also marked their significant presence, reflecting strong community participation.

As per tradition, the Village Authority warmly honoured the dignitaries with traditional shawls, symbolizing respect, unity, and partnership.

After inspecting the players of the opening match, the DIG CRPF officially inaugurated the tournament by kicking the first ball, greeted by loud cheers from the enthusiastic crowd. The energy, spirit, and sportsmanship displayed marked a promising start to a remarkable sporting festival.

Over the next five days, spectators will witness 15 action-packed matches including Pre-Quarter Finals (8 matches); Quarter Finals (4 matches); Semi-Finals 2 (matches); Grand Finale (1 match).

The event follows a straight Knockout System, ensuring high-intensity games from the very start.

Champion Team will received a Trophy + ₹25,000 + Medals + Certificates; Runner-Up Team will received a Trophy + ₹15,000 + Medals + Certificates. Special Individual Awards has been kept confidential to build excitement.

A Grand Closing Ceremony on 21 November will feature the final match, followed by cultural dances and music solos, celebrating both sports and culture in equal measure.

Addressing the gathering, DIG Rajesh Kumar highlighted the transformative role of the Khelo India initiative, launched by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and the Sports Authority of India.

He emphasized that Khelo India aims to revive India’s sporting culture; encourages mass participation at the grassroots level; builds robust sports infrastructure; supports talent with scholarships & advanced training; promotes national integration through youth engagement and shapes disciplined, healthy, and empowered citizens.

He lauded the efforts of the 112 BN CRPF and SCYC for bringing such a meaningful sporting event to Kangpokpi, reminding everyone that sports is one of the strongest tools for unity, discipline, and peace.

With Khelo India, youth from even the most remote corners of Manipur are stepping onto the national stage—proving once again that talent knows no boundaries when opportunity is given.

The tournament now moves forward with excitement, anticipation, and a shared dream of nurturing future sports stars of India