MLA Rameshwar encourages state football squad
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 09 2024:
After losing to Goa in the semi-fmal of the 77th Santosh Trophy held in Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur football team returned to the state on Saturday and the team was accorded warm welcome at Imphal international airport by Keirao MLA L Rameshwar and his football enthusiast team.
MLA L Rameshwar and his team encouraged every member of the team including officials, manager and coach with traditional shawls and motivated the players to work hard and not be disheartened by the recent defeat.
According to MLA Rameshwar, he was very much pleased and happy when Manipur defeated Mizoram by 4-1 goals in the group stage of the tournament and the reason for happiness could well be understood among the people.
"In view of the attitude shown towards Manipur by Mizoram government in the more than 10 months violence, I felt proud when Manipur defeated Mizoram as it showed that our players are more talented than Mizoram players," Rameshwar said.
"Due to the ongoing violence, football players of the state could not practice well and they did not even have peaceful mind while playing the tournament.
Nevertheless, our team reached the semi-fmal amidst the situation and this indeed was incredible achievement," Rameshwar said and expressed his profound happiness on Manipur team reaching the semi-final stage.
He also assured of extending whatever possible help from his side to develop sports in the state while informing that he donated Rs 50,000 to the state football team for taking part in the Santosh Trophy.
Thangjam Ibotombi, who was one of the managers of the state football team in the tournament, told media persons that he had high hope of winning the tournament and even expected Manipur versus Services in the final.
However, that did not happen and felt sorry for the people of the state, he added.