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What’s the story?
There are eight players from Manipur, who will be donning the national colour in the upcoming U-17 FIFA World Cup, which is commencing on October 6. Football fever has spread its wings in the state of Manipur once again and prayer sessions are taking place for success of the Indian team. On Tuesday evening, parents of Ningthoingamba Khumanthem and Thangjam Boris, the two players of the eight in the Under 17 India squad along with the people of Khoyathong Polem Leikai, in Imphal, and the members of Rising Knowledge Club, Khoyathong offered prayers for success of the Indian team. Ningthoingamba and Boris are both from Thangmeiband Polem Leikai.
In case you didn't know
It was an initiative taken by Khoyathong club. The prayer took place in the premises of the club. Photos of the eight Manipuri boys were kept in front along with a banner in support of the Indian team.
This took place in the presence of Ima Memchoubi, women's activist leader. Former sports minister Leptao Haokip had announced Rs.10, 000 for Manipur footballers in the Indian squad in addition to the Rs 5 lakh government incentive.
The eight boys who have made Manipur proud are:
Thangjam Boris, Ningthoingamba Khumanthem, Amarjit Singh Kyam (Captain), Jackson Singh Thounaojam, Md. Shah Jahan, Nongdamba Naorem, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem.
The heart of the matter:
Football Lovers Manipur, under the initiative of NEROCA FC Fan Club, had already started installing flex banners to support the India U-17 football squad after taking due permission from the Chief Minister of Manipur N Biren Singh. The football carnival has begun in Manipur already. FIFA U-17 World Cup is going to be India’s first-ever representation at a global level across any age group – be it as a host or playing the tournament itself.
The senior side came close to playing in the World Cup in 1950 but the dream of seeing an Indian team play a FIFA event is now complete. The tournament, which is considered as a stepping-stone for stars of tomorrow, begins on October 6.
The tournament has been divided into six groups – Group A to Group F – with four teams in each group. The teams that go forward make up the last 16 and so on and so forth.
If India go past the group stage and reach the last 16 then it will be the best ever achievement in the history of Indian football so far.
What’s next:
Along with Manipur, the entire nation would want not only these eight boys, but also the rest to play their best in this mega event. The dream of seeing Indian football team in a FIFA tournament has finally come true.
Author’s Take:
These 21 young Indian boys are on the verge of creating a history. They have prepared well for months. They have travelled abroad too for preparations. Manipur deserves a special mention since eight out of 17 are from the North Eastern state.
