Imphal, Oct 6: With 8 players from the state in the Indian squad playing the U-17 FIFA World Cup 2017 hosted for the first time the country, football euphoria has spread far and wide across the state particularly in Imphal area. Fans and lovers set stage to watch the historic match in groups and various places initiated by local clubs.
The Indian team will clash the United States at Jawarhal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi at 8 pm today. Ghana and Columbia will play the match at 5 pm at the same stadium.
Of the 21 Indian squads almost 80% of the players are from poor families. Most parents had almost lost hope witnessing the historic event of their wards. The parents of the 8 players from the state who had lost hope of witnessing the match, were lucky enough to get kind hearted footballer like Renedy who is initiating all the expenses of the parents along with supports from many like him and others in witnessing their wards playing the historic event.
Manipur have reason to be more enthusiastic. Son of the soil Amarjit Singh Kiyam, mid fielder will lead the team as captain. Other players from the state representing India are Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem (Goalkeeper), Jackson Singh Thounaojam (Midfielder),Boris Singh Thangjam (Defender), Md Shah Jahan (Midfielder), Nongdamba Naorem (Midfielder), Suresh Singh Wangjam (Midfielder) and Ningthoinganba meetei (Midfielder).
India has been listed in Group A against USA, Columbia and Ghana. The national team head coach, Luis Norton de Matos was reportedly very confident of his team and said that the team will not give up under any circumstances.
