Youngsters should watch World Cup to revive Football in State: Manitombi
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, June 05 2014:
International Footballer, Laishram Manitombi has drawn the attention of youngsters of the state to extend helping hand in reviving the game of Football after witnessing the matches of the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Speaking to Hueiyen Lanpao, Manitombi, a resident of Achanbigei, said that as FIFA World Cup drawing closer, many people in Manipur including players and Football lovers are eagerly waiting for the magic moments.
All the people in the State and more particularly the youths should watch the biggest tournament so that they can learn the playing skills from popular international players of the World.
They should watch the matches with an objective to become a popular players like them and revive the interest in football in Manipur again, he said.
Apart from winning the championship title of the Santosh Trophy held in Manipur in 2002, Manipur is yet to win a single title in major tournament.
Despite having many football lovers, the popularity of the game is declining today.
This is very sad and unfortunate, he continued.
Manitombi went on to say that comparing to other World Cups held in the past, this year's World Cup would be completely different.
Inclusion of younger players in each country's team would be the main attraction this time.
Manitombi who started his career from Army Boys had played as captain with Mohun Bagan, Services, AIR India, Salgaonkar, Mohun Bagan Clubs, etc.
He had also played in international matches representing India in 2002 .
He said that during the World Cup he would be watching the show in his locality with friends.
While drawing the attention of the concerned authority, Manitombi also appealed for ensuring availability of electricity supply during the World Cup.
He predicted that Germany, Brazil, Spain and Argentina will enter semi final matches of the World Cup.
As a diehard fan of Christiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Lionel Messi of Argentina, Manitombi said that Portugal and Argentina are his favourite teams.
But, he bet that Brazil will retain champion title of World Cup.