AIFF, Manipur sign MoU to set up centre of excellence

Imphal: Manipur government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the All-India Football Federation (AIFF) to set up a centre of excellence and  develop world-class football facilities in the state on March 28.

The MoU was signed by AIFF Secretary General Shaji Prabhakaran and Secretary N Kheda Varta of Manipur’s Youth Affairs and Sports department in the presence of the s Governor Anusuiya Uikey, Chief minister N Biren Singh and AIFF president Kaylan Chaubey, prior to the last match of the historic Hero tri-nation international football tournament at the Khuman Lampak main stadium.

Youth Affairs and Sports minister Govindas Konthoujam and other ministers, MLAs and All Manipur Football Association President M Ratan Kumar Singh were also present during the last match of the Hero tri-nation football tourney.

AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey said Manipur deserved a bigger initiative, adding that the chief minister being a former footballer was of “huge help”.

“We are collaborating with the Manipur government and will provide the best support possible from our side. I’m hopeful that the All-India Football Federation and the Manipur government will make a big difference to Indian football with this project,” he said.

On the other hand, Shaji Prabhakaran said, “Manipur has made history by holding a senior international tournament for men for the first time. The success of these matches prove that the people of Manipur have football in their blood.”

Earlier, Biren Singh appreciated the AIFF chief and his team for acknowledging the potential of players from Manipur, the state’s love of football and also giving it an opportunity to host the tri-nation football tourney.