Silchar: The much-anticipated Barak Valley Open Women’s Football Tournament 2025, organised by the Silchar District Sports Association (DSA), officially began on Monday at the iconic S.M. Dev Stadium in Silchar. The opening ceremony drew a sizeable crowd and was marked by vibrant enthusiasm and sporting spirit.

Silchar MLA Dipayan Chakraborty graced the occasion as the chief guest. In his address, he underscored the significance of football, sports, and physical activity in building a healthy and disciplined society. He praised the performance of women athletes in recent times and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting women in sports. “The government is determined to encourage and inspire women players. They have been performing remarkably well,” he said.

Chakraborty also commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma for their relentless efforts in advancing sports infrastructure and athlete welfare in the country. Applauding the DSA’s decision to open the football season with a women’s tournament, he called it a positive step toward inclusivity in regional sports.

He further expressed hope that the construction of the new pavilion at S.M. Dev Stadium, currently underway, would be completed by February next year, enhancing facilities for both players and spectators.

DSA President Shibabrata Dutta, in his remarks, announced that a total of 14 teams from across the Barak Valley would be competing in this year’s edition. The tournament will follow a knock-out format, with matches scheduled to begin daily at 3:15 PM. The final will be held on August 24.

Highlighting the growth of the tournament, Dutta recalled that only six teams had participated in the previous year’s edition. “This year, we are seeing an overwhelming response with 14 teams. It shows that women’s football is gaining momentum in the region,” he added. Plans are also underway to introduce a First Division Women’s Football League in the future.

The tournament is being sponsored by Hotel Valley Inn’s Nishitendu Das and Dipak Kanti Dhar, whose contribution was acknowledged during the ceremony. As a mark of respect to the pioneers of women’s football in the region, two former footballers A. Sunanda Chanu and Srimati Karmakar — were felicitated by the organisers.

The event was also attended by several key figures from the DSA, including Acting Secretary Debashish Shome, Football Secretary Bikash Das, Sukhen Das, Treasurer Buddhadeb Choudhury, Assistant General Secretaries Arijit Gupta and Ajay Kumar Roy, and renowned local sports personality Nirmalya Nath. Sponsor Nishitendu Das also shared his words of encouragement for the players.

The DSA officials jointly highlighted the extensive logistical preparations and coordination that went into organising the tournament. They expressed satisfaction at the smooth commencement of the event and reiterated their commitment to developing women’s football and sports culture in the Barak Valley.