The 5th Edition of the (Late) Lt Col Robert TA Memorial Open Football Tournament concluded on Tuesday after an engrossing 18-day run that began on February 5, 2026. The tournament was organized by the Assam Rifles in association with the Senapati District Olympic Association, Manipur (SDOAM). Brigadier Anshuman Tripathi, Commander, 22 Sector Assam Rifles, graced the closing ceremony as the Chief Guest. Chingpai Rangnamai, wife of Late Lt Col Robert TA and the guiding force behind the tournament, were also present, adding a heartfelt and poignant touch to the occasion. In his welcome address, the Post Commander of COB, Senapati, stated that the Robert Cup Open Football Tournament serves as an annual tribute to Lt Col Robert TA — the trailblazing first Army officer from the Maram Naga community commissioned into the Indian Army in 2004. Instituted following his supreme sacrifice on May 14, 2020, in North Sikkim, the tournament continues to honor his legacy of devotion, discipline, and unity. From a modest beginning in 2022, the event has grown into a major sporting spectacle fostering unity among diverse communities.
The 5th edition delivered an electrifying display of talent, unity, and resilience. Organized by 16 Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ 22 Sector Assam Rifles and HQ IGAR (E), in coordination with SDOAM, the tournament featured 19 teams comprising players from Senapati, Kangpokpi, Imphal, Ukhrul, and Chandel districts of Manipur, along with participants from Nagaland and one international player from Ghana. The participating teams reflected strong community representation, including 9 Naga teams, 8 Kuki teams, and 2 Gorkha teams, showcasing exemplary sportsmanship. The tournament featured 36 league matches from February 5 to 16. The quarterfinals and semifinals were held between February 18 and 22 in an intense league-cum-knockout format. The grand finale between Pou Legend FC and Hills Academy FC proved to be a thrilling encounter. After a 2–2 draw in regulation time, Hills Academy FC clinched the Champion’s Trophy by winning 7–6 in a dramatic tiebreaker.
The Robert Cup is regarded as the second biggest football tournament in Manipur in terms of prize money. Hills Academy FC received the prestigious trophy along with a cash prize of Rs. 3.5 lakh, while the runner-up Pou Legend FC was awarded Rs. 1.5 lakh and a trophy. The two semifinalists received Rs. 30,000 each, and the four quarterfinalists were awarded Rs. 15,000 each. Individual awards for Best Goalkeeper, Best Player, and Golden Boot carried cash prizes of Rs. 10,000 each along with a bicycle. The Assam Rifles sponsored all prizes under its Civil Action Programme. In the individual category, Md. Nadiya of Pou Legend FC from Thoubal district won the Golden Glove. Currently playing for KYIC in the Manipur Premier League, he kept six clean sheets during the tournament and conceded only two goals. George of Hills Academy FC from the Kom community secured the Golden Boot after scoring 13 goals in the tournament. His football journey includes stints with Sagolband United, Angtha FC, Rebels FC (Bangalore Super Division), Coramandal FC (I-League 3), National Sporting United Club (Delhi Premier League), and Kidderpore SC (Kolkata Premier League). He is presently playing for Chanmari FC in the I-League.
The Golden Ball (Best Player) was awarded to P. M. Rakeveiche of Pou Legend FC, who netted seven goals in the tournament. He previously played for Rajasthan FC U-17, KYIC, and Corbett FC (I-League 3), represented Manipur in the National Games and Santosh Trophy, and has recently signed with FC Raengdie for the I-League 2. The tournament stands as a fitting tribute to the memory of Lt Col Robert TA and his enduring passion for football.
