Third Ao-Sangma Football Shield kicks off in Guwahati

DIMAPUR — The Highlander Brigade is organising the third edition of its flagship football tournament, the “Ao-Sangma Football Shield”, from October 16 to the 18th at the Horticulture Research Centre ground of the Assam Agriculture University, Azara, Guwahati.

According to an update, this edition of the Ao-Sangma Football Shield features premier football teams such as Luit Football Academy and Guwahati City FC, among others. The competition will be organised in a knockout format, with the final match scheduled for October 18.

The Highlander Brigade announced that the Indian top-division football team, NorthEast United FC (NEUFC), has shown great interest in the tournament. The competition this year is being organised in association with the club. NEUFC’s coach, Juan Pedro Benalli, and his coaching staff will attend the event on October 16.

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Highlighting the importance of nurturing young talent, the Highlander Brigade stated that youth development at the grassroots level remains indispensable to the sport’s growth. The brigade expressed concern that the current football calendar offers inadequate competitive opportunities for young footballers. The Ao-Sangma Football Shield seeks to address this gap.

The shield, launched in 2023, commemorates legendary footballers Dr. Talimeren Ao, the first captain of post-independence India’s football team, and Gilbertson Sangma, the talisman of the Assam and Assam Police Football teams. Since its inception, the Highlander Brigade has organised the Ao-Sangma Football Shield annually. Over the years, a total of 70 teams from the Northeast and other regions of the country have participated.

With a total prize money of INR 60,000, this year’s tournament is the most extravagant edition in its brief history.

The Highlander Brigade has also expressed grief over the untimely demise of popular artist Zubeen Garg, who was deeply passionate about football. A homage will be organised in his honour during the tournament, and individual awards will be named after him.