The Indian football team will next month take part in a three-nation friendly tournament against Myanmar and Kyrgyzstan. This is the first time that the Khuman Lampak Stadium here will host international matches. These matches will be played on 22, 24 and 26 March. It is being organized during FIFA’s international window. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh made the announcement to host the international tournament at a press conference here in the presence of All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Choubey and general secretary Shaji Prabhakaran.
“It is a great initiative by the AIFF leadership that for the first time in history, we are hosting international friendly matches in Manipur,” Biren said. The government will provide the best facilities for the successful conduct of the tournament.” Biren mentioned the names of players from the state like Renedy Singh, Gouramangi Singh, Udanta Singh, Amarjit Kiyam, Suresh Wangjam and Jackson Singh, who have represented the country in international matches. .
Referring to women players, he said, “Manipur has also contributed a lot in women’s football. Bala Devi, Indian captain Ashalata Devi, Dangmei Grace, Elangbam Panthoi Chanu and many others have made the country proud.’ The Khuman Lampak Stadium has a capacity of 35,000 spectators. The stadium has hosted matches of the I-League and the prestigious Durand Cup.
Speaking on the occasion, Choubey said, “We all are aware of the popularity of football in Manipur. The state has produced a large number of football players, both men and women. Never before has a national team match been organized in the state.” The three-nation series will help the Indian team prepare for next year’s Asian Cup. Indian team head coach Igor Stimac said, “It would be great to play some friendlies again at home. Now we have enough time to gauge the rhythm of our opponents and strategize accordingly.
