Shillong, Feb 17:The 4th Edition of the Assam Rifles Sentinels Cup Football Tournament (Men & Women) 2026 was inaugurated with great enthusiasm at 1400 hrs on 17 February 2026 in Shillong, Meghalaya. The tournament was formally inaugurated by Maj Gen Jai Singh Bainsla, SM, 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 from 17 February to 27 February 2026, is being conducted across multiple venues in Shillong. The league matches up to the semifinal 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 2026. 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, setting an exciting tone for the championship. Displaying dominance, tactical discipline and excellent teamwork, Assam Rifles Football Team secured a convincing 5–0 victory over Laitkor FC. 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, culminating in grand finals for both categories on 27 February 2026 at SSA1 Grounds, Polo.
The champions in the Men’s and Women’s categories will be awarded a cash prize of ₹3 lakh each along with the prestigious Assam Rifles Sentinels Cup Trophy, while the runners-up will receive ₹2 lakh each.
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, promising thrilling encounters and inspiring performances leading up to the grand finale at Polo Grounds on 27 February 2026.
