Imphal, Sep. 30 (EMN): Manipur Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Letpao Haokip on Friday a nnounced cash awards of Rs. 5 lakh each for the eight players from Manipur in the 21 member football team of the country for the FIFA U-17 World Cup to be held across six cities from October 6.
Announcing this in a press conference here on Friday afternoon, Sports Minister Letpao said, “The Government is planning a super special incentive for our players if they win gold medals.” However he did not elaborate on the said ‘super special incentive’.
“I would like to wish them a successful campaign in the World Cup,” he said. “We the people of Manipur are behind them in this campaign.”
Replying to a question on issue of shrinking of playfields in Manipur in the recent past due to various reasons, Letpao assured that playfield development in the grassroots level will be taken up under Khelo India project. The process of making All Manipur Playfield Association is on in the line of All India playfield Association in this regard, according to State’s sports Director N Praveen.
Minister Letpao, who himself was a professional footballer, announced Rs 10,000/- each to the eight players from his personal end as a token of encouragement.
The eight players from Manipur who are in the Indian squad for FIFA U-17 World Cup are Dheeraj S. Moirangthem (Goal keeper), Boris Singh Thangjam (Defender), Suresh Singh Wahengbam, Nongdamba Naorem, Md Shahjahan ,Khumanthem Ningthounganba, Jackson Singh Thounaojam and Amarjit Singh Kiyam (Midfielders).
Meanwhile Potsangbam Renedy, the then best midfielder in the country who is currently assistant coach of FC Pune city advised the state’s footballers in the Indian squad to play at their best during the upcoming matches by overcoming the compliments and criticisms.
Earlier in a congratulatory note, state Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren, a national level footballer said, “I would also like to make special mention and congratulation for Amarjit Kiyam, who is leading the national team as a captain.”
