Shillong: A Six-Day Inter-District Knock out Football Tournament organised by the 120 Battalion C.R.P.F under Civic Action Programme 2009-2010 in association with the District Sports Office, Tura was inaugurated today at Tura, MP Stadium, Dakopgre.

Mr. F. D. Sangma, DIG, Western Range graced the opening ceremony of the Tournament as the Chief Guest and kicked off the opening match between Tura Government College and Western United Club. Mr. Vishnu Gautam, Commandant 120 Battalion, CRPF in his welcome address welcomed everybody to the inaugural ceremony. He informed that as requisition by the Meghalaya Government six companies of the 120 CRPF Battalion were deployed in and around the region and therefore the tournament was being organised with an aim to foster affable relationship between parliamentary forces and the public of the region. He advised all the twelve teams participating in the tournament to maintain the highest order of sportsmanship. Mr. Gautam informed that cash prizes, trophies and certificates world be given out at the closing ceremony of the tournament.

Addressing the gathering Mr. F. D. Sangma commended the organisers of the tournament and expressed his happiness for being invited to the Tournament. He further expressed his gratitude and thanks to the organisers and the Commandant for inviting. Stressing on the importance of maintaining discipline in any sport Mr. Sangma said that one should always maintain some amount of discipline if one wants to excel in life and abstain from intoxicants which are detrimental to health. Later, Mr. Sangma saying, “I believe this tournament will cement the relationship between the police and the public” declared the tournament open.

Among others present at the inaugural ceremony of the tournament were, Mr. Dalton P. Marak, Superintendent of Police, West Garo Hills District, Mr. D. Dann, District Sports Officer, West Garo Hills and Commandant and Officers from the CRPF and BSF.