The 5th edition of the (Late) Lt Col Robert TA Memorial Open Football Tournament concluded on Tuesday with a thrilling finale, as Hills Academy FC emerged champions after an intense and competitive 18-day tournament that commenced on February 5, 2026.
The tournament was organised by the Assam Rifles in association with the Senapati District Olympic Association, Manipur (SDOAM). Brigadier Anshuman Tripathi, Commander, 22 Sector Assam Rifles, attended the closing ceremony as the Chief Guest. Chingpai Rangnamai, wife of Late Lt Col Robert TA and a guiding force behind the tournament, also graced the occasion, adding emotional significance to the event.
In his welcome address, the Post Commander of COB, Senapati, stated that the Robert Cup serves as an annual tribute to Late Lt Col Robert TA, the first Army officer from the Maram Naga community commissioned into the Indian Army in 2004. Following his supreme sacrifice on May 14, 2020, in North Sikkim, the tournament was instituted in 2022 to honour his legacy of dedication, discipline, and unity. Since its inception, the event has steadily grown into one of the prominent football tournaments in the state.
Organised 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 from Senapati, Kangpokpi, Imphal, Ukhrul, and Chandel districts of Manipur, along with participants from Nagaland and an international player from Ghana. The teams included nine Naga teams, eight Kuki teams, and two Gorkha teams, reflecting the spirit of unity and sportsmanship among diverse communities.
A total of 36 league matches were played from February 5 to 16, followed by the quarterfinals and semifinals held between February 18 and 22.
The grand finale between Pou Legend FC and Hills Academy FC delivered an electrifying contest. After a 2–2 draw in regulation time, the match was decided through a tie-breaker, where Hills Academy FC secured a 7–6 victory to lift the coveted Robert Cup Trophy.
Considered the second-largest football tournament in Manipur in terms of prize money, the champions were awarded ₹3.5 lakh along with the trophy, while the runners-up received ₹1.5 lakh and a trophy. The two semifinalists were awarded ₹30,000 each, and the four quarterfinalists received ₹15,000 each. Individual award winners received ₹10,000 and a bicycle. The prizes were sponsored by Assam Rifles under its Civil Action Programme.
In the individual categories, Md. Nadiya of Pou Legend FC was awarded the Golden Glove for maintaining six clean sheets and conceding only two goals throughout the tournament. George of Hills Academy FC clinched the Golden Boot after scoring 13 goals. The Golden Ball (Best Player) was awarded to P. M. Rakeveiche of Pou Legend FC, who scored seven goals during the tournament.
The successful conduct of the 5th edition once again underscored the enduring legacy of Late Lt Col Robert TA and his passion for football, while promoting unity, youth engagement, and communal harmony across the region.
