4th edition of Assam Rifles Sentinels Cup Football Tournament starts

The 4th edition of the Assam Rifles Sentinels Cup Football Tournament (Men & Women) 2026 was inaugurated on Tuesday at Shillong, Meghalaya. The tournament was formally inaugurated by Maj Gen Jai Singh Bainsla, marking yet another milestone in the continued efforts of Assam Rifles to promote sports, youth engagement and community bonding in the North East. The tournament, scheduled to continue till 27 February, is being conducted across multiple venues in Shillong.

The league matches up to the semi-final stage are being played at Nongkrem Football Ground and Assam Rifles Laitkor Ground, while the finals of both the Men’s and Women’s categories will be held at the SSA 1 Ground, Polo, on 27 February. The event has witnessed an encouraging turnout of football enthusiasts, reaffirming the region’s deep-rooted passion for the sport. The opening match of the tournament in the women’s category was played between the Assam Rifles Football Team and Laitkor FC. Displaying dominance, tactical discipline and excellent teamwork, Assam Rifles Football Team secured a convincing 5-0 victory over Laitkor FC.

Advertisement

The fast-paced encounter enthralled spectators and reflected the high standards of professionalism and sporting ethos that the Sentinels Cup represents. Teams from leading football clubs of Meghalaya, along with teams from Assam Rifles, Indian Army and Meghalaya Police, are participating in the tournament. A total of eight teams each in the Men’s and Women’s categories are competing in a league-cum-knockout format. The champions in the Men’s and Women’s categories will be awarded a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh each along with the prestigious Assam Rifles Sentinels Cup Trophy, while the runners-up will receive Rs 2 lakh each. Promoting Youth, Sports and Social Responsibility The Sentinels Cup continues to reflect Assam Rifles’ commitment as the “Friends of the North East,” using sports as a powerful tool to inspire youth, promote healthy lifestyles, and channelise young energy away from insurgency and drug abuse towards positive pursuits.

Through its MoU with the Bhaichung Bhutia Football Academy and initiatives such as the Assam Rifles Public School (Sports), Assam Rifles remains steadfast in identifying and nurturing football talent from the region. The tournament also aligns with national initiatives such as Khelo India Abhiyan and the Fit India Movement , underscoring the role of sports in nation-building. More than just a sporting event, the Assam Rifles Sentinels Cup stands as a celebration of unity, discipline, and the indomitable spirit of the North East. The inaugural match between Assam Rifles and Laitkor FC has set the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.