Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, July 02 2009:
In continuation of the scenario of the suspension of two AMFA officials of the 63rd Santosh Trophy, 2009, one timed Indian captain, footballer Bijen and senior player Chitrasen appealed the AMFA executive council to withdraw its stand on the suspension of coach Birbal and manager Raghumani clarifying the defeat of Manipur in the championship was not the fault of neither the officials nor the players.
In a press conference held at Manipur Press Club, Bijen said that state players played to their best in the quarter final match against host Tamil Nadu in the championship.
The main factor behind the defeat of Manipur in the match is the injuries of the key state players and the caution cards in the previous matches which made them unable to participate in the particular match.
Manipur even beat defending champion Punjab in its group match.
It was a major achievement of the state team.
Moreover, the performance of the state team had made the state team qualified for the upcoming National Games which is to be held at Jharkhand.