All India Football Federation (AIFF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Manipur government on March 28 to create world-class footballing facilities in the state.
The MoU was signed ahead of the tri-nation international football tournament’s deciding encounter between the Kyrgyz Republic and India at the Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal.
Present on the occasion were the Manipur governor Sushri Anusuiya Uikey, Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh, minister for youth affairs and sports Govindas Konthoujam, MLA RK Imo Singh, MLA Arunkumar Thangjam, AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, AIFF secretary general Shaji Prabhakaran and All Manipur Football Association president M Ratan Kumar Singh.
Speaking on the occasion, AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey said: “Manipur deserves a bigger initiative. The honourable chief minister being a former footballer is of huge help. He has a great commitment to taking football in this state ahead.
The hon'ble Manipur Chief Minister Shri @NBirenSingh and AIFF President Mr @kalyanchaubey signed an MoU to work jointly for the development of football in Manipur and set up a centre of excellence. The hon'ble Governor of Manipur, Sushri Anusuiya Uikey was present 🤝 pic.twitter.com/WZWWOkaeM2
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) March 28, 2023
“We are collaborating with the Manipur government and will provide the best support possible from our side. I’m hopeful that the All-India Football Federation and the Manipur government will make a big difference to Indian football with this project,” he said.
AIFF secretary general Shaji Prabhakaran said: “Manipur has made history by holding a senior international tournament for men for the first time. The success of these matches proved that the people of Manipur have football in their blood. At the same time, it also proves what great height the game can reach in this state.
“We are joining hands with the Manipur government to take things forward. We’ll set up a centre for excellence to produce elite players. We’re very hopeful that once it becomes operational, many more talents will emerge from the state. They will not only reach the national platform but will succeed at the global level too,” Prabhakaran said.