Onus on players for football's growth: DFA-B Prez
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 27 2024: District Football Association (DFA), Bishnupur president L Naba has emphasised on the role of players in advancing the growth of football in Manipur, despite its relatively small size.

He underscored the state's status as a powerhouse in Indian football and attributed it to the significant contributions of players from the state who have left an indelible mark in Indian football history.

In an exclusive interview with The People's Chronicle, Naba said that under his leadership, DFA Bishnupur successfully organised district-level tournaments, including the Super Division Football and 3rd Division Leagues (U-15), marking a significant milestone with the implementation of the Competition Management System (CMS) for the first time.

Plans are afoot to further fortify the football infrastructure with the completion of the 2nd Division League U-17, thereby providing a platform for nurturing emerging talent and fostering the growth of the sport at grassroots levels.

Naba reiterated the pressing need for local MLAs to prioritise development of playgrounds across various localities within DFA Bishnupur's jurisdiction.

He emphasised that adequate space for sports activities is paramount in steering the youth away from detrimental influences such as substance abuse.

Furthermore, he implored MLAs to extend their support towards enhancing the conditions of existing play-fields, galleries, and compound fences under DFA Bishnupur, thereby creating an.

environment conducive to honing the skills of aspiring footballers and facilitating the emergence of national and international-level players.

A stalwart in the realm of football, L Naba's journey in the sport spans decades, before retirement from active play in 1985.His unwavering dedication to football promotion is evident through his tenure as the secretary of WYC Yumnam Khunnou from 1994 to 2019.Since assuming the presidency of DFA Bishnupur, the association has witnessed remarkable achievements, with notable triumphs such as KLASA, Keinou's performances in the Manipur State League winning runners' up trophy in 2019, and winners' trophy in 2021-22 and 2022-23.As his current term draws to a close in July, Naba expressed aspirations for another term to continue his tireless efforts in nurturing football talent and fostering the growth of the sport in the region.

In his parting words, Naba extended invaluable advice to aspiring players, stressing the importance of discipline, diligence, and dedication in realising their full potential.

Additionally, he voiced his opposition to the participation of I-league and ISL players in local tournaments, citing concerns over the potential adverse effects on the career growth of budding footballers.

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