Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has said that the future of Indian Football lies in Manipur, and the state government has made allocation in the budget to establish a Football Academy in the state.
As many as 45 players from Manipur are playing in I-League Football Tournament representing different football clubs, the chief minister said while addressing the gathering at the closing ceremony of 13th Shaheed Manoranjan Singh Memorial State Open Football Tournament- 2023 at SAI Sports Complex, Takyel.
Manipur, with its little population, has been contributing a lot in the field of games and sports, the chief minister said.
Stressing the desire to upgrade the tournament to national level, he asked the CRPF to give a proposal for the same. He also asked them to organise the tournament at Khuman Lampak main stadium from next year.
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Stating that the state government is giving priority to some disciplines considering the physical structure of the people of the state, N Biren informed that seven grassy football fields would be developed in the State and funds had been allocated in the budget for the same.
He also informed that the state would be hosting a Tri-Nation Friendly Football Tournament and added that the State has got this opportunity because of the achievements brought by our players.
Final match was played between Sagolband United and Classic Football Academy. Classic Football Academy won the tournament by beating Sagolband United at 7-0.
During the programme, the Chief Minister also honoured Ng Memcha, mother of Shaheed Manoranjan Singh.
Chairman, Manipur Electronic Development Corporation, S Kunjakeswor Singh, director general of police, Manipur P Doungel, chairman and managing director of BABINA Group Dr Thangjam Dhabali and senior officials of CRPF also attended the closing ceremony among others.
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