Manipur's remote fields shape India's sporting future
- ANI feature stories focused on Manipur -

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Location: Senapati (Manipur)

Tucked away in the rolling hills, Senapati — one of Manipur’s remotest districts — beats with the rhythm of football.

Here, the game isn’t just played; it’s lived. Fuelled by passion and grit, young talents are turning Manipur into a rising powerhouse of Indian football.

Among them, Yuno Richard stands tall — his walls lined with medals, his story written in sweat and discipline.

Every dawn and dusk on the field brings him one step closer to his dream.

Yuno Richard
Footballer, Senapati
(Transcription) I go for training in the morning. In the evening I go to the gym to keep myself physically fit — to activate my muscles and all. To be prepared for anything coming in my way.

V/O2- Young players like Yuno Richard are breathing new life into Manipur’s football landscape.

With growing access to the internet and media, the youth are now dreaming bigger — aiming for national and even international recognition.

Government initiatives have begun transforming rural sports infrastructure, bringing playgrounds, training centers, and equipment to even the village level.

Supporting this momentum, NGOs and local clubs are stepping in to train and nurture raw talent, opening doors to competition and opportunity across the region.

Tresen Pou
Football Coach
(Transcription) We have a lot of talent. Not only in football — we have multi-talented players. There are a lot of multitalented players, not only in football but in volleyball, basketball, and other games as well. As a whole, football is very popular in Senapati.

In Manipur, football isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life, woven into the very fabric of the state.

Its overwhelming popularity has led to the creation of synthetic football turfs across several districts, including Senapati and Tamenglong, where young players eagerly make the most of these modern facilities.

This growing infrastructure stands as a testament to the unwavering passion and dedication of Manipur’s youth.

Yet, their hunger for progress remains strong—as they continue to call for more spaces, more support, and more opportunities to chase their dreams.
Lnkunang Keimai
Football player
(Transcription) I love to play football. I am a big fan of Ronaldo. We love playing football. I used to play every morning and every evening. We need more facilities like this ground. I want to play for the national team.

V/O4- The rise of sports culture in Manipur’s remote regions is more than just a local shift—it’s the pulse of a quiet social revolution.

It shows that with passion as fuel, guidance as direction, and opportunity as a bridge, even the most overlooked corners can carve their name on the national sports map.

It's a powerful reminder that talent knows no boundaries—only the need for a chance to shine.

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