Imphal,Oct 16: In yet another major contribution to Indian sports, seven men footballers from Manipur have been selected among the 28 players for the National team qualifying for the prestigious AFC Under 23 Asian Cup to be held in Uzbekistan (1-19 June) 2022.
The seven footballers from Manipur are Dheeraj Moirangthem, Mohammad Nawaz (Goalkeepers), Bikash Yumnam, Hormipam Ruivah (Defender), Suresh Wangjam, Amarjit Kiyam and Jeakson Thounaojam (Midfielders). On hearing the news, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh in a facebook post wrote, "Wonderful news!!! I am really very proud of you all (Thumbs up). You all make us feel very proud."
Congratulating the footballers, Manipur's sports minister Letpao Haokip,also a former footballer, said, "In such a proud moment, I extend my heartiest congratulations to all the selected players and pray that they do their best and bring laurels to the country and our state in particular."
In a message, he said that this feat has again reiterated the fact that Manipur is a powerhouse of sports and there are sporting talents everywhere in this land.
AFC Under 23 Asian Cup, the biennial international age-restricted football championship organised by the AFC (Asian Football Confederation). A total of 16 teams will compete in the tournament. South Korea is the defending champion. Last month,ten women footballers from Manipur were also selected to attend the national team camp at Jamshedpur from August 16 for preparation for the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022 -- the flagship continental championship, which will be held from January 20-February 6, 2022.
The women footballers from Manipur are Maibam Linthoingambi Devi(Goalkeeper), Ngangbam Sweety Devi, Hemam Shilky Devi, Ranjana Chanu Sorokhaibam, Wangkhem Linthoingambi Devi, Kritina Devi Thounaojam and Asem Roja Devi (Defenders),Dangmei Grace (Midfield) Heikrujam Daya Devi (Forward). The Indian women football team was ranked 55 in the first update of the FIFA Women's World Ranking in 2020, AIFF report said.
