Manipur: Sports
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Football
2017: 8 Manipuris in Indian team
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Football players in All Manipur Football Association (AMFA)
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Manipur: Sports
Eight players in Indian squad are from state
In a country of 125 crore people, the tiny state of Manipur, with a population of 27 lakh, has contributed eight players to the 21-member Indian team that will play in the FIFA U-17 World Cup. With one player each from Mizoram and Sikkim, the northeast region accounts for 10 of the 21 players.
Despite having a history of insurgencies, ethic conflicts, poverty and corruption, Manipur stands tall for its athletes and its rich cultural heritage. Having produced hordes of Olympians and iconic athletes in many sports, this tiny state has earned the title of `mini powerhouse of sports in India'.
The eight players to have made the state proud are Amarjit Singh Kiyam (captain), Dheeraj Moirangthem, Boris Thangjam, Suresh Wangjam, Ningthoinganba Meetei, Jeakson Singh, Nongdamba Naorem and Md Shahjahan.
According to former players and experts, two key reasons for the state's success in football are the natural sports talent that people here are found to have and the deep craze for football which has made the sport a part of daily life here.
P Renedy Singh, a footballing icon here and a former India captain, said football is one game that is played everywhere across the state. “Unlike other sports that cost money in purchasing equipment, football is a game both for the rich and the poor.Children from humble families who cannot even afford to buy a football start playing the game with a nobab (a fruit) at various places in rural areas,“ Renedy told.
“Most of the eight players belong to humble families. Their spirit, determination and talents could not be deterred by anything,“ added Renedy , who is all set to open football schools in Manipur and Nagaland soon.
Another reason why sports is popular here is the unemployment problem in the state, said Renedy.“Getting a government job is a far cry for the common people but they have a second option to get jobs either in gover nment or private sectors through excellence in sports,“ he said.
Stating that the credit for the selection of eight Manipuri players goes to the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Renedy underscored the need to streamline and restruc ture the football clubs, leagues and soccer development programmes in the state to produce more first-rate footballers. “There are so many players in the state and their talent is immense but we need proper system and infrastructure,“ he added.
Konsam Baruni, executive council member of the and vice-president of the Manipur Olympic Association (MOA), said, “Sports is a way of life in Manipur, not just a hobby, as it begins from grassroots levels.“
