Manipuri women football team reach Myanmar
Source: The Sangai Express / (Inputs from DIPR)

Tengnoupal, January 24 2018: The State women football team led by Sports Minister Letpao Haokip have reached Myanmar today for the Indo-Myanmar football exhibition matches scheduled to be held on January 27 and 28 at Mandalay and Sagaing region of Myanmar.

The team was flagged off by Chief Minister N Biren Singh from Kangla gate today morning.

The team reached Moreh Trade Centre at around 11 am and a brief press meet was organised.

Speaking to media persons at the Trade Centre, Letpao Haokip said that the exhibition matches will foster good relations between Manipur and Myanmar.

Last year a football match was played between Manipur and Myanmar team (female) during the Sangai festival in Imphal and they (Myanmar) had invited the team (Manipur) to play over the border, said the Minister.

Two matches are scheduled on January 27 and 30 at Mandalay and Saigang respectively, he said.

On the sideline of the matches a trade meeting will also be held with Myanmar officials, said the Minister.

SDPO Moreh PS Lawrence sent off the team from Indo-Myanmar Iron bridge.

Earlier in the day while flagging off the team, Chief Minister said that the NDA led Government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has changed and transform the vision "Look East Policy" into "Act East Policy" to maintain a strong cohesive relationship with the South East Asian countries.

On the occasion, Chief Minister said, "We should showcase our civilization, rich culture and tradition to these South East Asian countries" .

The chief Minister further mentioned that the success of the "Act East Policy" depends on our hospitality to the visitors coming to our State.

The CM said, "We have to keep in mind that we are not just going to play football but we are on a mission to build a friendly and cordial relationship with our neighbouring countries.

Winning or losing is an inevitable part of every game, however the true spirit of sports should be maintained by the sports persons." He also urged the Minister, MLAs and officials to have a dialogue with the officials of Myanmar Government about the opening of border for feasibility of trade and commerce, visa on arrival facilities etc.

Chief Minister gave his best wishes to the delegates for a productive and successful journey.

The delegates also include MLA Paonam Brojen, MLA Y Surchandra, Convenor of State Level Committee for Operationalisation of Act East Policy RK Shivachandra, Chairman and Managing Director of Shija Hospitals and Research Institute Dr Kh Palin and officials of Women's football team which consist of 19 players.

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