Imphal: On Tuesday, the Manipur State Government and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create the Manipur Football Academy.
The Manipur Government will get crucial logistical and other help from AIFF for this endeavour, which is regarded as a historic moment in Manipur football.
The Memorandum was signed during the Hero Tri-nation international football tournament’s closing ceremony by AIFF General Secretary Shaji Prabhakaran and T Phullen, the director of youth affairs and sports for the Government of Manipur. N Biren Singh, the chief minister of Manipur, and Kalyan Chaubey, the president of the AIFF, were also present at the celebration at the Khuman Lampak Stadium.
The Memorandum links the provision of top-notch facilities for youth football, intending to develop professional footballers from Manipur who will advance the reputation of the state and the nation in the sport.
Significantly, a sizable crowd filled the Khuman Lampak stadium, which can seat 35,000 people, for the Hero Tri-nation football tournament’s final ceremony.
The Kyrgyz Republic and the Blue Tigers (India) squared off in the championship game. As Manipuri players Suresh Wangjam and Jeakson Singh were fielded for the play, the audience applauded them.
Interestingly, the Indian National Football team competed in the international competition in Manipur with at least seven Manipuri players. The first international football tournament hosted in Manipur had its concluding ceremony attended by Sushri Anusuiya Uikey, the governor of Manipur.