IT News (input from ANI)
Senapati, June 12:
In the far-flung hills of Manipur’s Senapati district, football is more than a game — it’s a way of life. Amid the rugged terrain and quiet villages, a silent revolution is underway as young athletes rise from the grassroots, driven by an unyielding passion and dreams of national glory.
Among the many determined youths is Yuno Richard, whose days begin at dawn with football training and end with gym sessions aimed at sharpening his fitness and mental focus. “I go for training in the morning. In the evening I go to the gym to keep myself physically fit — to activate my muscles and all. To be prepared for anything coming in my way,” he shared.
Richard represents a new generation of sportspersons emerging from Manipur’s remote districts — players who are not only redefining the state’s football narrative but also shaping India’s sporting future.
The transformation is supported by growing internet access and exposure to national-level sports, which have encouraged rural youth to dream beyond borders. Government schemes are playing a vital role in this change, with sports infrastructure such as synthetic turfs and village-level training centers now reaching even remote areas like Senapati and Tamenglong.
Tresen Pou, a football coach in the region, remarked, “We have a lot of talent. Not only in football — we have multi-talented players. There are a lot of multitalented players, not only in football but in volleyball, basketball, and other games as well. As a whole, football is very popular in Senapati.”
With NGOs and local clubs stepping in to polish raw talent and provide competitive platforms, opportunities for young players have widened. Yet, the demand for more support and better facilities remains pressing.
“I love to play football. I am a big fan of Ronaldo,” said Lnkunang Keimai, a young footballer from Senapati. “We need more facilities like this ground. I want to play for the national team.”
The rise of sports culture in Senapati reflects more than local enthusiasm — it signals a broader social movement. With determination as their engine and growing support as their platform, Manipur’s youth are fast becoming a formidable force in Indian football.
Their message is clear: with the right opportunities, even the remotest corners of India can produce champions.
