The Assam Regimental Centre team of Shillong pose with the trophies after winning the 14th Royal Gold Cup football tournament in Kohima. Picture by Pradeep Pareek

ROYAL GOLD CUP

Kohima, Nov. 18: Assam Regimental Centre has become the team to beat in football tournaments in the Northeast.

Continuing its winning streak this year, including triumphs in the Bordoloi Trophy and the Dugar Shield, Assam Regimental Centre defeated Punjab Police 3-1 here on Saturday to lift the 14th Royal Gold Cup.

The tournament, which initially seemed to be missing the presence of star-studded teams, came to a close with everyone concerned being happy. The crowd had wanted a team from the Northeast to win the Royal Gold Cup, a wish that Assam Regimental Centre fulfilled. The organisers had hoped for a packed stadium and that was what they got throughout the tournament.

There was, however, none happier than the coach of the Assam Regimental Centre squad. L.S. Koirang, who doubles as manager, said he could not have imagined at the start of the season that his team would win three big tournaments. “It’s a hattrick of victories. My team comprises mostly youngsters, and I am delighted to have succeeded in my job of training them,” he said.

Six members of the Assam Regimental Centre are representing Services at various tournaments, leaving only Seiminthang and L.H. Hmar at the frontline of the parent team. But the promising duo of Mouna and Anwar Chiru has more than made up for the absence of the star players.

In the preliminary round, Assam Regimental Centre had defeated hosts and favourites Nagaland Police.

While the team from Shillong enhanced their reputation during the course of the tournament, Punjab Police performed below par. Coached by former player Kuljeet Singh, the team played rough football in the final in a bid to stop the rampaging rival forwards. Assam Regimental Centre, too, committed its share of fouls, one of which prompted the referee to show captain Dhanraj the yellow card.