L Rameshwor accords warm reception to Manipur Santosh Trophy team
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 09 2024: State football team who had a memorable journey in the 77th National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy returned to a warm reception today as they landed here at Imphal International Airport.

Keirao AC MLA Lourembam Rameshwor led others in receiving the team who reached upto the semi-finals after producing unbeaten performances both in the group stage and the final round of the prestigious tournament.

L Rameshwor accords warm reception to Manipur Santosh Trophy team

Welcoming the athletes and the support staff, Rameshwor lauded the impressive performances of the State team in the tournament despite the restive situation prevailing in the State since May 3 last year.

He recalled that the State team swept the group stage (Group C) hosted by Uttar Pradesh to emerge toppers and extended their unbeaten run in the final round hosted by Arunachal Pradesh to enter quarterfinals yet again as Group toppers (Group B) beating the likes of defending champions Karnataka.

Praising the grit and prowess displayed by the State players in the team's memorable victories before the heartbreaking semi-final loss to Goa, he added that he has been a constant supporter towards the cause of football movement in the State and will continue to lend all possible support from his end.

Wishing that more and more eminent players may emerge from the State's soil, he said continued remarkable performances of the State athletes have been able to inspire many budding players to take up sports and help distance themselves away from drug abuse and other harmful paths inimical to development and peaceful coexistence.

He also highlighted the positive economical aspects with Manipur being a conveyor belt of many world class football players.

Urging the support staff and the athletes not to get discouraged by the semi-final exit, the MLA also motivated the team to work harder and bring back the title trophy home in the upcoming editions.

Speaking to the media, State's team manager Thangjam Ibotombi said the performances of the State athletes in this edition of the tournament have been the most impressive in the State's football history.

The prevailing ethnic strife has impacted the players emotionally and physically but they worked their way out to overcome the challenges and eventually emerged one of the title favourites as the tournament progressed, he observed.

He however lamented that the team could not live up to the expectations of the football fans in Manipur and give the taste of final victory.

He also lauded the people of hosts Arunachal Pradesh for their relentless support and encouragement to the State team and went on to thank Lourembam Rameshwor for his continuous support to the State team and for the heartwarming reception programme the team received today.