IMPHAL : Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Saturday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to promoting sports and creating opportunities for aspiring footballers, particularly women, through sustained support for grassroots development and sporting infrastructure.
He made the assurances during an interaction with nine players of the Indian Women’s Football Team from the state. The players apprised the achievements of Manipuri footballers and highlighted the need to further strengthen women’s football in the state.
During the interaction, the team informed Singh that 23 players represented India, of whom nine players are from Manipur and were part of the recently held Sixth South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women’s Championship-winning team.
The delegation also informed the chief minister that all nine Manipuri players are members of the SAFF Championship-winning squad and several of them also represented the country at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia.
The players appealed to Singh to extend continued support towards women’s football in the state and requested that the number of Manipuri players in the Indian national team should not decline as many talented players are compelled to seek employment outside the state.
They also proposed organising annual women’s football tournaments to strengthen grassroots development, provide greater exposure to young players, and ensure a steady pipeline of talent for the national team.
Singh appreciated the outstanding achievements of the players in bringing laurels to the nation and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to promoting sports and creating greater opportunities for aspiring footballers, particularly women, through sustained support for grassroots development and sporting infrastructure.
He said that the players also urged him to ensure better career advancement and promotional opportunities for sportspersons serving in various state government departments, in recognition of their contributions and achievements in sports. (Source: PTI)
