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The champions, Khanakhurü Students' Union posing with the trophy after the final on Saturday in Medziphema.[/caption]
Dimapur, April 29 (EMN): Khanakhurü Students' Union was crowned champions of the 5th Frolic Cup while Kuki Youth Club bagged the runners up title. It was a battle of old foes as the two teams geared to clash once more in a tightened ring. The two teams had met thrice in earlier editions of the tournament although all their encounters were not in the final.
The vibrant rush of adrenalin was all the more visible as thousands dared themselves to witness the heated finals under dry soaring mercury at Medziphema local ground. As one blogger Kaminlen Laiho puts it, there was no breathing space where latecomers had to endure the whole 90+ minutes standing it out. Once the much anticipated match was whistled in, roars of support rendered the air and players of both KSU and KYC'B' sprinted into the game to find opportunities through gaps. KSU immediately gained more control with their experience and amid tackles and attempts from both sides, KSU finally broke the deadlock to score the first goal which came from the boots of Rhitso towards the dying minutes of the first half.In the second half, it was a spirited KYCB who jolted their opponents with surprise play and began to completely dominate the match. KYC's innumerable exposure accentuated by exceptional talents aided them like never before as skilfully drifted into the closer yards of KSU on a number of occasions.
Apart from corners and free kicks which were abundant, both sides exerted pressure on one another to create difference in goals but as fate would have it, KSU could not find the net despite the many shots within close range. It was an all out game for a relentless KSU who countered and thwarted every move of their opponents until the final whistle was blown. At the end of a full play time, KSU had emerged victorious from the lone goal of the final match to be the Champions while KYCB had to be contended as the runners up.
The champions received the coveted Frolic Cup with cash reward of Rs. 60,000/- and certificates while the runners up received Rs. 30,000/- with certificates. The one other individual prizes given away with cash and certificates includes Best midfielder Ninja of Khanakhurü Students' Union; Best Defender, Temjenwati of Molvom Youth and Students' Union, Golden Gloves, Alemse of Kuki Youth Club, Golden Boot, Shürhuosül of Medziphema Village Youth Organisation, and
Player of the Tournament, Nyithung of Kuki Youth Club.
The prizes were handed over to winners by the Chief Guest, Kesonyü Yhome, DC, Dimapur, who also honestly lauded the tireless efforts of Frolic Club, Medziphema, for bringing in everyone together on a common platform. In his brief speech, he also encouraged all the players to maintain sporting spirit and discipline in order to excel in sports.