MORIGAON, Jan 18 � Hosts Assam made a flying start in the North East Zone 69th Senior National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy.
At the Khirod Baruah Stadium, here today Assam handed a 4-0 drubbing to Arunachal Pradesh. The high light of the match was a hattrick by Suraj Mandal who scored three goals in the 32nd, added time in the first half and 60th minute respectively. Earlier, Mintu Boro put Assam 1-0 ahead in the 20th minute.
Earlier, in the opening match in morning, Manipur defeated Nagaland by 3-0 goals. Clever Hmar (9th minute), Kh Nauton Singh (45th minute) and L Gogocha (55th minute) netted one goal each for the winning team.
The championship was inaugurated by the State Sports Minister Ajit Singh in a colourful opening ceremony in the afternoon. Food and Civil Supply Minister Dr Nazrul Islam and Assam Football Association secretary Ankur Dutta were also present on the occasion as guests.
Today�s match: Tripura vs Mizoram.
