IMPHAL, Dec 8: Manipur on Sunday captured the Junior Girls’ National Football Championships Tier 1 title for a record 12th time after routing Bengal 9–0 in a dominant final performance. The North-Eastern powerhouse, known for its strong footballing culture, outplayed Bengal in every department to secure their third consecutive championship crown.
The final, held as part of the tournament named after legendary India footballer Dr. Talimeren Ao, saw Manipur assert control from the outset. Chingkhamayum Redima Devi was the star of the match, netting a superb hat-trick with goals in the 8th, 41st, and 65th minutes. Longjam Nira Chanu also produced a scintillating show, scoring her own hat-trick in the 29th, 55th, and 59th minutes.
Adding to Bengal’s woes, Yaiphabi Thokchom struck twice in the 68th and 76th minutes, while Mongjam Pusparani Devi contributed a goal in the 75th minute to complete the 9–0 demolition.
Manipur’s dominance was evident not just in the final but throughout the championship, as the team displayed superior skill, speed, and cohesion. Bengal, who had hoped for a fairy-tale finish, were unable to match the intensity and quality of their opponents in the summit clash.
The emphatic win sealed a remarkable hat-trick of titles for Manipur, who had previously lifted the championship in the 2023–24 and 2024–25 editions. With this latest triumph, Manipur continue to underline their unmatched legacy in junior girls’ football in India.
