Imphal: The two-day first Manipur Fight League 2018, a competition of mixed martial arts that ended on Wednesday, was held with 38 non-professional fighters, including 10 women, taking the ring at Iboyaima Sumang Leela Shanglen in Palace Compound in Imphal East district of Manipur.

It was the first such competition on Manipur soil. The fighting spot was guarded by fences.

The brain behind the league Nandeibam Franco, who is convener of Kangleipak Mixed Martial Arts Club, said martial art is a necessary tool for self-defence against attackers and a good source of income as well.

Franco said: "We have come up with the idea of introducing the Fight League in Manipur because we have so many talented martial artistes. They are competing in other parts of the country as no such competitions are held in Manipur. We need to come up with such arrangements where they can fight, entertain as well earn respect and money."

Soccer tourney: The first edition of the Raja Goukhothang Guite Football Memoriam 2018 will kickstart from Saturday at Lamka Public Ground, Churachandpur.

Altogether 24 teams, divided into eight groups, will compete.

The tournament has a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh for the winner while the runner-up will bag Rs 1 lakh.

Each losing semi-finalist team will get Rs 10,000.