Imphal, Oct. 16 (EMN): Eight players of Manipur who were in India’s first ever football World Cup team in the ongoing U-17 FIFA World Cup were formally felicitated by the state government on Monday.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh encouraged the young players with warm hugs apart from presenting them bouquets and shawls during a felicitation function at the CM’s secretariat in Imphal this afternoon and also handed over a cheque of Rs. 5 lakh each to all the eight players.
"It does not matter if one wins or loses, all that matters is the performance and spirit," says Biren who himself was a national football player." The whole population of the state both hill and valley felt so proud of you for representing the country in such a prestigious global event."
Later Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Yumnam Khemchand hosted a felicitation function at state assembly complex wherein the speaker also handed over a cash award of Rs. 5000 each.
“Unlike politics, decision has to be taken within a fraction of second in sports,” says Speaker Khemchand who is also a national Taekwondo player. “So we the sportspersons should also help in building the nation.”
Earlier in the day, Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla also felicitated the eight players in a simple function at the Raj Bhavan.
Speaking on the occasion the governor assured that she would try to find ways to promote some games like that of cricket.
Expressing hope that the upcoming sports varsity in the state will help sportspersons especially those coming from poor economic background,she said talks have already begun to promote Polo commercially, which was originated from Manipur.
The eight footballers including team captain Kiyam Amarjit who are scheduled to leave the state for upcoming U-19 training session in Delhi on Tuesday, have a hectic time to attend a number of reception and facilitation functions across the state since their arrival here on Saturday.
The other footballers are Boris Thangjam, Jeakson Thounaojam, Md Shah Jahan, Nongdamba Naorem,Suresh Wangjam and Ningthoinganba Meitei.
