Imphal, Sep 21: The third edition of the DG Assam Rifles Hockey Cup 2026 witnessed intense competition during its second and third days at Khuman Lampak Hockey Stadium in Imphal East, with teams delivering spirited performances in both men’s and women’s pool matches.

The tournament, organised by Assam Rifles, brought together hockey teams competing for honours while providing a platform for emerging players to showcase their talent and gain valuable match experience.
Army XI, COS, HU, SEYO, MEIRAA and MPSC registered emphatic victories during the pool-stage fixtures, producing competitive displays and keeping the tournament action-packed.
The matches drew attention for the enthusiasm and determination shown by the participating players. Teams displayed attacking intent, defensive discipline and coordinated play as they sought to strengthen their position in the tournament.
The ongoing competition is also providing young hockey players from Manipur with an opportunity to compete in a structured tournament environment. Regular exposure to competitive matches can help players sharpen technical skills, improve tactical understanding and build confidence.
The tournament reflects Assam Rifles’ efforts to promote sports and youth engagement in Manipur, with hockey serving as a key platform for encouraging discipline, teamwork and healthy competition.
Grassroots sporting events are particularly important for identifying emerging talent and creating pathways for young athletes to progress to higher levels of competition. Such tournaments also encourage youth to pursue sporting activities and develop qualities such as perseverance, leadership and team spirit.
The participation of both men’s and women’s teams further adds to the tournament’s outreach, providing players across categories an opportunity to compete and gain experience.
As the third edition progresses, the pool-stage encounters are expected to intensify, with teams seeking to secure favourable positions and advance in the competition.
The DG Assam Rifles Hockey Cup continues to combine sporting competition with a broader objective of youth empowerment, promoting hockey at the grassroots level and strengthening the sporting culture in Manipur.