Manipur to host tri-nation friendly football tournament in March

SPORTS DESK: The Khuman Lampak Stadium located in the capital of Manipur, will host the Hero Tri-Nation Friendly tournament. The matches will be played between India, Myanmar and the Kyrgyz Republic on March 22, 24 and 26.

N Biren Singh, the Chief Minister of Manipur announced this tournament on Monday.

The president and secretary general of the All India Football Federation were also present during this announcement.

Speaking on the occasion, the CM said, “It is a great initiative by the AIFF leadership that we are getting to host International friendly matches in Manipur for the first time in history. From our end, I can assure everyone that the Government of Manipur will do everything to provide the best facilities and facilitate in the successful organisation of the tournament.”

M Biren Singh, a football player himself, mentioned that his state is a significant contributor to Indian Football. He thanked the AIFF for bringing the contest to the Northeastern state while mentioning that it will be a moment of great inspiration to the players and football enthusiasts of Manipur. He also requested support from the federation for setting up a top-class football academy in the state to nurture talents among the young boys and girls.

As a part of Vision 2047, a strategic roadmap has been prepared for the promotion and outreach of the game and players across the country. And this is the first time that the Indian Senior National Football Team will be visiting Imphal in Manipur.

Kalyan Chaubey, the president of AIFF also mentioned his happiness about hosting the matches in the stadium that has seen many important matches over the years. He also spoke about the following that this game has in the state. He also promised the development of infrastructure for the boys and girls of the state while thanking the CM of the state for his enthusiasm.

“Manipur is a state that has huge footballing potential and we hope that bringing international football here will provide a tremendous boost to local football and have a positive impact on Indian Football,” mentioned Secretary General Dr Shaji Prabhakaran.