Biren moots to upgrade Shaheed Monoranjan Singh memorial football tournament

Imphal: Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh stated that the future of Indian Football lies in Manipur stating that 45 players from the state are playing in I-League Football Tournament representing different football clubs.

Biren made the statement while addressing the gathering at the closing ceremony of 13th Shaheed Manoranjan Singh Memorial State Open Football Tournament- 2003 at SAI Sports Complex, Takyel.

Many football players are representing the Indian team and as such the state government has made allocation in the budget to establish a Football Academy in the state. He said, with its little population, the state has been contributing a lot in the field of games and sports.

Stressing the desire to upgrade the tournament to national level, he asked the CRPF to give a proposal for the same. He also asked them to organise the tournament at Khuman Lampak main stadium from next year.

Stating that the State Government is giving priority to some disciples considering the physical structure of the people of the state, Biren informed that seven grassy football fields would be developed in the state and funds had been allocated in the budget for the same. He also informed that the state would be hosting a Tri-Nation Friendly Football Tournament and added that the state has got this opportunity because of the achievements brought by our players.

The Final match was played between Sagolband United and Classic Football Academy. Classic Football Academy won the tournament by beating Sagolband United at 7-0.

The chief minister also honoured Ng. Memcha, mother of Shaheed Manoranjan Singh.