Governor keen to promote football commercially

IMPHAL | Oct 16

Eight state footballers who represented India in the ongoing FIFA World Cup U-17 tournament were felicitated today by the governor of the state Najma Heptulla at Raj Bhavan here today.

Speaking on the occasion Heptulla said that she would try her best to find ways to promote the game commercially like cricket.  She said talks have already begun to promote Polo commercially, which originated from Manipur.

Speaking on the Sports University, the governor said the Prime Minister of India is keen to establish a Sports University and has assured to lay the foundation. She expressed hope that the university will help sportspersons especially those coming from poor economic background.

During her interaction with the players and the parents the governor expressing her happiness stated that she feels proud that U-17 team has the team captain and 7 other players from the State.

It is heartening to see that maximum number of players from a state like Manipur, which is known, as the powerhouse of Sports, she said. Heptulla congratulated the parents for supporting their children to play the game and expressed her desire that all the players continue to play not only for U-17 but also in the senior national team. 

Expressing happiness at the exemplary performance of the team, the governor said every sporting activity is good as it keeps the mind and body healthy and helps in concentration. Stating that she is happy to promote the game in some way, she said the entire State of Manipur is proud of the players.

She also advised them to continue to build up their body to gain more stamina and agility for future tournaments. If all the Manipuri boys playing for other teams and countries come together as one team, then there will be a strong Manipuri team for the nation, she added.

Goalkeeper M. Dheeraj Singh, Th. Boris Singh, Ninthoinganba Meetei, Nongdamba Naorem, Md. Shahjahan, W. Suresh Singh were present at the felicitation. Team Captain Amarjit Singh Kiyam and Th. Jeakson Singh (the first goal scorer for India in FIFA tournament against Columbia) could not attend the felicitation due to prior engagement.