U-17 players return home, Amarjit and Jeakson feted
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 14 2017:
Seven players from Manipur apart from Goalkeeper Dheeraj Moirangthem, who represented the debutant Indian team in the ongoing U-17 FIFA World Cup arrived today at Imphal International Airport at 10.30 am and were accorded a warm welcome .
Relatives, local people and football lovers received them warmly and garlanded them as soon as they (Boris Thangjam, Amarjit Singh Kiyam, Jeakson Thounaojam, Suresh Wangjam, Ningthoinganba Meitei, Nongdamba Naorem and Shah Jahan) stepped out of the airport .
Though host India lost to USA, Colombia and Ghana, the players from Manipur feted for their exceptional showing and sportmanship in the one of the most prestigious football events of the world.
Among them, Jeakson emerged the first player from India to have scored a goal in a World Cup .
Well-wishers Thoubal District Committee felicitated the two players from Thoubal, Amarjit Singh Kiyam, Captain of the Indian squad and mid-fielder Thounaojam Jeakson at Thoubal Haokha Community Hall .
The programme was graced by Keisham Meghachandra, MLA Wangkhem Kendra, Mutum Mani, chairman of the well-wishers committee, L Chandrakeshor, president of DFA Thoubal and Shyamo, vice-president of DFA Thoubal as dignitaries .
K Meghachandra speaking as the chief guest of the function, expressed pride over the eight players of the State and lauded their spirited performances during the matches .
He also expressed his desire to provide Government jobs to the eight players who not only represented the State but the entire Nation at the world event and said he would submit a memorandum to the Government of Manipur regarding the matter .
K Meghachandra also encouraged Amarjit and Jeakson and wished them luck in their future endeavours.
He also announced to allocate Rs 10 lakh from his local area development fund for renovation of the football ground at Thoubal Haokha.