Nine players of the Indian Women’s Football Team, from the State called on Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh today and apprised him of the achievements of Manipuri footballers at the national and international levels, while also highlighting the need to further strengthen women’s football in the State.
During the interaction, the team informed the Chief Minister that 23 players represented India, of whom nine players were from Manipur. The nine Manipuri players who were part of the 6th South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women’s Championship-winning team, held in Goa, are: Dangmei Grace (Striker), Elangbam Panthoi Chanu (Goalkeeper), Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi (Defender), Sorokhaibam Ranjana Chanu (Defender), Yumnam Sarita (Defender), Hemam Shilky Devi (Defender), Naorem Priyangka Devi (Midfielder), Serto Lynda Kom (Striker) and Toijam Thoibisana Devi (Defender).
The delegation informed the Chief Minister that all nine Manipuri players are members of the SAFF Championship-winning squad, while several of them also represented India in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, held in Australia after the Indian women’s team qualified for the tournament for the first time in 23 years. They further stated that four of the Manipuri players also represented the country at the 2023 Asian Games in China.
The players appealed to the Chief Minister to extend continued support towards women’s football in the State and requested that the number of Manipuri players in the Indian national team should not decline in the future, as many talented players are compelled to seek employment outside the State. They also proposed organising annual women’s football tournaments to strengthen grassroots development, provide greater exposure to young players, and ensure a steady pipeline of talent for the national team.
The Chief Minister appreciated the outstanding achievements of the players in bringing laurels to the nation and reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to promoting sports and creating greater opportunities for aspiring footballers, particularly women, through sustained support for grassroots development and sporting infrastructure.
Yumnam Khemchand said that the visiting players also urged him to ensure better career advancement and promotional opportunities for sportspersons serving in various State Government departments, in recognition of their contributions and achievements in sports.
