Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the 18th edition of Captain Jintu Gogoi Vir Chakra Memorial Football Tournament at the Nehru Maidan at Duliajan in Assam’s Dibrugarh district.

As per a press release from Army and Union Minister’s PRO, the tournament has been organised every year by the Indian Army in honour and memory of the brave son of Assam, Captain Jintu Gogoi, who made supreme sacrifice for the country in the Batalik Sector during Operation Vijay in 1999.

For the first time in the history of the tournament, teams from all the states of the North-east will participate in the football tournament, celebrating the essence of the region.

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “The brave son of Assam, Captain Jintu Gogoi is a source of inspiration for all of us. He made the supreme sacrifice for our country for freedom, honour and respect. As we gather here today to celebrate the brave-heart, we must try and imbibe what the sport – football – in this case, teach us. The bond of brotherhood, team-building, playing for honour & respect, team before the player and so many others are being exemplified through these games of sport. As we join hands to build a new India, under the dynamic leadership of PM Narendra Modi, I believe the youth of today can source courage, determination and inspiration from the sacrifice of Capt Jintu Gogoi to contribute and build a better tomorrow and stronger country.”

Union minister Sonowal graced the inaugural occasion as the Chief Guest.

The event was also graced by Lt Gen R C Tiwari, GOC Spear Corps, Rameshwar Teli, Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Employment and Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Prasanta Borkakoty, RCE, Oil India Ltd and Bimal Bora, Minister Assam Government.

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