The Indian national football team recently visited Manipur for the first time, and the state’s hospitality and support did not disappoint. The team’s captain, Sunil Chhetri, expressed his appreciation for the love and warmth shown by the people of Manipur during their stay.
Not only did Manipur provide a welcoming environment for the team, but it also proved to be a lucky charm for them. India won the tri-national tournament, which also included Myanmar and the Kyrgyz Republic, with two impressive victories.
The tournament was held in the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal, the capital city of Manipur. India’s first match was against Myanmar, which they won 1-0. In their second match against the Kyrgyz Republic, India dominated the game with a 2-0 victory.
Thank you IMPHAL!💙#KGZIND ⚔️ #HeroTriNation 🏆 #BlueTigers 🐯 #BackTheBlue 💙 #IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/Hrrwssnyx9
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) March 28, 2023
“Dear Manipur, you were amazing. Your love, hospitality, and support were all felt in big measure. Hope the two wins over the week gave you some joy back as well,” Sunil Chhetri wrote on Twitter.
Chhetri credited the team’s success to their hard work and determination but also acknowledged the support they received from the fans in Manipur. “The atmosphere in the stadium was electrifying, and it definitely helped us perform better on the field,” he said.
This victory is a significant milestone for the Indian football team, which has been steadily improving its performance in recent years. The team’s head coach, Igor Stimac, expressed his pride in their accomplishment and praised the hospitality of the people of Manipur.
Dear Manipur, you were amazing. Your love, hospitality, and support were all felt in big measure. Hope the two wins over the week gave you some joy back as well. pic.twitter.com/FjEscSEXww
— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) March 29, 2023
“The love and support we received from Manipur was overwhelming, and we are grateful for the opportunity to play in such a fantastic environment,” Stimac said.
Stimac’s second trophy after the 2021 SAFF Championships also came on an evening when India, who is 106, beat a team ranked higher for the first time on his watch.
Overall, the tournament was a huge success for both the Indian national football team and Manipur, showcasing the state’s potential as a sporting destination. With the support of its people and the enthusiasm of its fans, Manipur is set to become a key player in India’s sporting landscape.
