Shillong Feb 5: Friends Sporting United Shillong lifted the 6th International Veteran Football Championship 2020 in Guwahati recently.
The championship was organised by the United Brothers Club Guwahati at the SAI Field, Paltan Bazar, Guwahati from January 30 to February 2.
In the final, Friends Sporting United Shillong played against Nepal. Though Nepal led the score 1-0, the club managed to equalise in the last minute of the regular time through Birendra Thapa making the score 1-1.
As the match ended in 1-1 draw, the winner was decided through a tie breaker in which Friends Sporting United defeated 4-1.
Birendra Thapa was adjudged as the best player, while Polin Lyngdoh as the best defender.
The club took home a prize money of Rs 50,000 along with the trophy and medals.
Friends Sporting United Shillong were the only club that did not face defeat during the championship.
Friends Sporting United, Shillong were invited to take part in the championship and veteran players donated among themselves to be able to participate in the championship.
The veteran players include four of them who have crossed 45 years Marshal Kharsati, Polin Lyngdoh, Sam Kharbhih, Sooki Lamare and other below 45 years include Elias K. Dhar (Goalkeeper), Pynshaibor Sohtun, Kitkuparlang Kharshiing (Captain), Micksonlang Lyngdoh, Birendra Thapa, Pynskhem Garod, Riverstone Majaw, Kordorstone Majaw, Arkibor Mylliem Umlong, Hubert Nongbri (Goalkeeper), Wolflin Pyngrope, Kynsai Manik Jyrwa with Sainborlang Kharshiing as manager and Founder Kharpuri as assistant manager.
There were 12 teams including teams Assam like Kokrajhar, Dulaijan, Silchar, Narengi and other teams like Delhi, Kolkatta, besides Sikkim where former Indian captain Baichung Bhutia was part of the team.
Foreign teams include Nepal, and Bangladesh.
Friends Sporting United had a tough time during the tournament and have to play with less players due to injury and some of the players have to attend to urgent duties.
In the final too, the team had only one substitute since many of players got injured when they played the semi final.
In the group league matches, Friends Sporting United, Shillong defeated Narengi FC 3-1, Metro FC 11-0 and Silchar 3-2.
In the semi final, Friend Sporting United played against Narengi FC and defeated them 4-0.
The Friends Sporting United expressed its gratitude to the Almighty for the victory and the players who had really work hard and all well wishers and sponsors, supporters and family
