Namchi, Jan 9: The Inter Constituency Football Tournament officially began at the Jorethang Football Stadium on Thursday, marking the start of the Jorethang Maghey Sankranti Mela.

The opening ceremony was graced by Raju Basnet, Minister of Sports & Youth Affairs and Education, who attended as the Chief Guest. The event also saw the presence of several distinguished personalities, including Madan Cintury, MLA of Zoom-Salghari Constituency and Chief Patron of the Maghey Sankranti Mela; Biren Chandra Rai, Advisor to SBS; Yougen Tamang, Press Secretary to the Chief Minister; and other local leaders and government officials.

In the first quarter-final match, 10 Poklok-Kamrang Constituency defeated 01 Yaksom-Tashiding Constituency with a convincing 3-0 scoreline. Pratap Tamang of Poklok-Kamrang was awarded ‘Man of the Match’ for his excellent performance, scoring two of the three goals.

The event also featured cultural performances, enhancing the festive spirit of the occasion. As a gesture of appreciation, the Sports and Youth Affairs Department presented souvenirs to the Minister and the Advisor.