CM rejoices as state hosts tri-nation tourney
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 23 2023:
Chief minister N Biren Singh has termed as very fortunate for the state to host the Hero Tri-Nation International Football Tournament and expressed elation that the national team has around 5-6 players from the small state.
Speaking at the inaugural function of the international tournament held at Khuman Lampak main stadium on Wednesday, N Biren expressed gratitude to the All India Football Federation, especially president Kalyan Chaubey and his team for acknowledging the potential of Manipuri players and the state's love for football.
The chief minister also said that the Youth Affairs and Sports department along with AMFA and other stakeholders is working for promoting football and other sports in the state.
He also revealed that during the upcoming visit of the AIFF president for the closing match of the tournament, the state will sign an MoU with the AIFF for logistics and other support in setting up of a football academy to develop and promote the sports in the state.
He then appealed to the people to attend the matches and to show discipline and decency during the tournament.
The inaugural session of the tournament also attend ed by YAS Minister Konthoujam Govindas, MLAs, former union minister and Padmashree Awardee Thounaojam Chaoba Singh among others included a performance from drummers of Rhythm of Manipur and other cultural programmes.
Despite an overcast sky, the stadium had official attendance of 29,341 spectators The second match scheduled on March 25 will be between Kyrgyzstan and Myanmar at the same venue.
The international tourney will conclude on March 28 with the Blue Tigers locking horns with Kyrgyzstan.