Port Blair, July 14 — In a spirited display of athleticism and community engagement, Gram Panchayat Mannarghat emerged victorious in the Inter-Panchayat Knockout Football Tournament organized by the South Andaman Forest Division. The tournament, held as part of a broader initiative to promote sports and biodiversity awareness, drew enthusiastic participation from local teams and spectators across the region.
The final match saw GP Mannarghat defeat Royal Sporting Club in a closely contested game, securing the championship title in the Mannarghat leg of the multi-location tournament. The event was one of several hosted under the banner of the ‘MP Cup’ Football Tournament, which spanned venues including Bathubasti, Mithakhari, Bambooflat, JNRM, Humphregunj, and Ferrargunj.
Organized to commemorate National Sports Day, the tournament featured nearly 1,300 youth participants and attracted thousands of spectators, highlighting the growing popularity of football in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Member of Parliament, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, attended the finals and personally distributed trophies and medals to the winning teams, commending their dedication and sportsmanship.
The tournament not only fostered competitive spirit but also served as a platform for young athletes to showcase their talent. Local leaders and forest officials emphasized the role of sports in community building and environmental awareness, aligning with the Forest Division’s ongoing efforts to integrate biodiversity conservation with public outreach.
GP Mannarghat’s win has energized the local community, with residents celebrating the team’s achievement as a symbol of unity and grassroots excellence. The success of the tournament is expected to pave the way for more such initiatives aimed at nurturing youth potential and strengthening inter-panchayat collaboration.
