Mission Vatsalya Fest football league begins
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 28 2025: Mission Vatsalya Festival Inter-CCI (Children Home) Knock-Out Football League 2025, a tournament exclusively for residents of children homes, commenced on Tuesday at the SAI Complex, Takyel, Imphal.

The tournament is being jointly organised by the Social Welfare Department and CCI Guild Manipur.

Social Welfare minister H Dingo inaugurated the festival as chief guest, while Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights chairperson Keisham Pradipkumar presided over the inaugural function in the presence of Social Welfare director Ng Uttam as guest of honour.

A total of 28 children homes are participating in the tournament, with eight teams competing in the girls' category and 17 in the boys' category.

The tournament is scheduled to continue till January 31 .

Speaking on the occasion, minister Dingo informed that the festival aims to encourage the children residents of homes and to provide them with an opportunity to showcase their talents.

He announced that the tournament would be held annually so as foster sense of belongingness among the participants and integrate them into society.

Responding to media queries, the minister informed that the department is currently in the process of formulating a child policy.

Ng Uttam said that vocational training is provided to children at regular intervals, while highlighting the significance of such initiatives.

He also expressed that the tournament not only offers a platform for the children to display their sporting skills but also facilitate interaction and exchange of ideas among them.

"Apart from football, the festival features cultural programmes and stalls showcasing products made by the children, along with a dedicated stall for persons with disabilities," he informed while adding that these efforts aim to equip the children with livelihood opportunities after they leave the homes.

He also exuded hope that the festival would instil a renewed sense of optimism among the children amid the prevailing crisis in the state.

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