Charhajare Cricket Club lifts Khelo India cricket title in Kangpokpi after thrilling final

Charhajare Cricket Club clinched the Khelo India cricket tournament title in a nail-biting finale, defeating The Legends Damdei by 11 runs at the Damdei Christian College Ground in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district. 

The high-voltage final, held under the aegis of the IG, Manipur and Nagaland Sector and guided by the DIG CRPF Kangpokpi, brought the curtain down on a tournament aimed at fostering peace, unity and harmony through sports.

The tournament, which began on November 20, saw 12 teams compete in 19 fiercely contested matches. Kangpokpi Cricket Club received the Best Disciplined Team award, while Shubham Rawat of Charhajare Cricket Club was named Man of the Match for his decisive performance in the final. Piyush Sahoo of The Legends Damdei secured the Man of the Tournament title, and Dharmendra Kumar of Senapati Cricket Club emerged as the Highest Wicket-Taker.

A large crowd of residents and young sports enthusiasts from neighbouring villages turned up for the final match and the closing ceremony. The event was graced by Rajesh Kumar, DIG CRPF Kangpokpi, as the Chief Guest, alongside Commandant 131 Bn BSF, Commandants of 112 Bn and 152 Bn CRPF, officials from SBI Motbung and Sapermiena branches, the Principal of Damdei Christian College, and other local dignitaries.

The ceremony began with a welcome song by children of the Kanglatongbi Orphanage Centre, followed by vibrant cultural performances by local Nepali and Kuki girls, symbolising the cultural diversity and communal harmony of the region.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Rajesh Kumar praised the energy, discipline and sportsmanship displayed by the youth throughout the tournament. He emphasised the role of sports in strengthening peace and unity in society and encouraged continued participation in similar initiatives.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks from the Commandant of 94 Bn CRPF, who expressed gratitude to dignitaries, local residents, media representatives and the officers and personnel whose efforts contributed to the success of the tournament.

This year’s Khelo India cricket tournament left behind enduring memories and reaffirmed the unifying power of sports in Kangpokpi district.