In its first sporting event after the tsunami hit Andaman and Nicobar islands six month back, a charity football match for tsunami affected people was played between East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting at the historic Netaji Stadium in Port Blair last Saturday.
Among the spectators were Lt Governor Prof Ram Kapse, Chief Secretary D S Negi, Manoranjan Bhakta, Member of Parliament from the Islands, naval officers and school children.
Football is a popular game in the Andaman and Nicobar islands, especially with the Nicobarese tribes that have a strong sporting tradition
The match was organised by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, A & N Football Association with the support of Indian Airlines. Other sponsors who chipped in to organise the match include Care India, Reliance India Mobile, Hyundai Electronics, Eveready, and Shell.
After the tsunami claimed over 3,500 lives in the islands, life is slowly gaining its rhythm back here. And while East Bengal pulled out a narrow win, the real victory belonged to the Islanders spirit, who once again showed that inspite of their loss they are keeping their hopes alive.
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