Imphal , Dec 22: The closing ceremony of the Under-19 Red Shield Rising Star Hockey Tournament 2025 was held at Khuman Lampak Stadium, Imphal, Manipur, attended by Lt Gen Abhijit S Pendharkar, GOC SpearCorps, along with eminent Olympians and dignitaries. The event highlighted the Indian Army’s continued focus on youth empowerment and sports promotion under Operation Sadbhavana.

The tournament, which brought together young hockey talents from across the region, provided a platform for aspiring players to showcase their skills, sportsmanship, and competitive spirit. Lt Gen Pendharkar praised the participants for their dedication, emphasizing that initiatives like these not only nurture athletic talent but also instill discipline, teamwork, and leadership qualities among youth.
Eminent Olympians at the ceremony shared their experiences and encouraged the young athletes to pursue sports with passion and perseverance. The Indian Army reiterated its commitment to fostering sports culture and providing opportunities for youth development, aligning with broader community engagement and goodwill initiatives in the region.
The event concluded with awards and recognition for outstanding performers, leaving participants motivated and inspired to achieve excellence in both sports and personal development.