Union minister of ports, shipping & waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the 18th edition of Captain Jintu Gogoi Vir Chakra Memorial Football Tournament at the Nehru Maidan at Duliajan in Assam’s Dibrugarh district.
As per a press release, the tournament has been organised every year by the Indian army in honour and memory of the brave son of Assam, Captain Jintu Gogoi, who made supreme sacrifice for the country in the Batalik Sector during Operation Vijay in 1999.
For the first time in the history of the tournament, teams from all the states of the Northeast will participate in the football tournament, celebrating the essence of the region.
Speaking on the occasion, Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal said: “The brave son of Assam, Captain Jintu Gogoi is a source of inspiration for all of us. He made supreme sacrifice for our country for freedom, honour and respect. As we gather here today to celebrate the brave heart, we must try and imbibe what the sport – football – in this case, teaches us. The bond of brotherhood, team-building, playing for honour & respect, team before the player and so many others are being exemplified through these games of sport. As we join hands to build a new India, under the dynamic leadership of PM Narendra Modi, I believe the youth of today can source courage, determination and inspiration from the sacrifice of Capt Jintu Gogoi to contribute and build a better tomorrow and stronger country.”
Some of the major highlights of the tournament also include combat free fall, small team insertion & extrication, fly past by helicopters, Kalaripayattu, Mallakhamba, Bhangra, Khukri dance along with a performance by a cultural troupe including a singer of national repute.
The event was also attended by Lt Gen RC Tiwari, GOC Spear Corps, Rameswar Teli, minister of state in the ministry of labour and employment and ministry of petroleum and natural gas, Prasanta Borkakoty, RCE, Oil India Ltd and Bimal Bora, minister Assam government.
The event was attended by over 20,000 strong audience. It was full of exciting and dynamic performances that included performances of local band, military jazz and pipe band, combat free fall, small team insertion, Kallaripayutu, Mallkhambha, Bhangra, Unarmed Combat and performance by local kids.
The event also witnessed the trophies displayed alongside the 24 team captains with tournament and FIFA songs being played.
