A football training camp for internally displaced children was launched in Bishnupur district, while Khelo India Tribal Games football trials concluded in Manipur.
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IMPHAL — A three-month football training camp for internally displaced children was inaugurated on Friday at the Mini Secretariat Complex in Bishnupur district headquarters, as Manipur continued efforts to use sports as a tool for rehabilitation and talent development.
The training camp, organised by the Bishnupur district administration in association with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and sponsored by the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited, will train 35 children under international and national-level certified coaches, including Potsangbam Renedy Singh.
Speaking at the inaugural programme, Deputy Commissioner of Bishnupur, Pooja Elangbam, said the initiative was a foundational step towards grooming skilled footballers capable of representing the state and the country at higher levels. She urged the children to demonstrate commitment and enthusiasm so that coaches could identify and nurture their potential.
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Highlighting Manipur’s sporting legacy, Elangbam said the state has long been recognised for its contribution to sports and expressed hope that the camp would help the children become part of that tradition. She also stressed the role of sports in character building, noting that it instils values such as teamwork, mutual support, resilience and the ability to learn from failure.
As part of the programme, football jerseys and boots were distributed to the participants. National-level footballers from Manipur were present to motivate and encourage the young trainees.
Khelo India Tribal Games
Meanwhile, the Directorate of Youth Affairs and Sports, Manipur, on the same day concluded the final state-level selection trial in football for the first edition of the Khelo India Tribal Games at the astroturf ground in Senapati town, about 60 km north of Imphal.
The selection trials were conducted in the open age category for both men and women. A total of 36 scheduled tribe women and 46 scheduled tribe men from various districts took part in the final trials, which were conducted under the supervision of the District Youth Affairs and Sports Office, Senapati, along with expert sports mentors.
From the trials, 22 players each were selected in the men’s and women’s football categories. The selected players will represent Manipur at the first edition of the Khelo India Tribal Games, scheduled to be held in Chhattisgarh from February 14, 2026.
Officials said the Khelo India Tribal Games aim to promote sports among tribal communities and identify talent by providing opportunities for scholarships and financial support.