Young Football Heroes Unite Divided Manipur with SAFFU-16 Triumph – News18

In a remarkable display of talent, teamwork, and determination, six players from the Classic Football Academy have achieved a historic victory for India in the South Asian Football Federation Under 1spor6 Champion Trophy.

Amid the ongoing conflict in Manipur, Bharat Lairenjam, a Meitei player, and Levis Zangminlun, a Kuki player, who scored the winning goals are untity the state.

This momentous triumph happened on Friday in Bhutan’s Thimphu, where the Indian team faced off Bangladesh in the final match.

Bharat Lairenjam, hailing from Nambol in Bishnupur district, struck the first goal in the 8th minute, while Levis Zangminlun, a resident of Churachandpur, delivered the crucial second goal in the 74th minute, securing India’s championship title.

Bharat Lairenjam, who scored the opening goal, expressed his joy, labeling it the “goal of the championship.”

He underscored the unity within the team, despite their diverse backgrounds, stating, “though players belong to different communities in the team, we mingle

together happily in good team spirit.”

Abbas Singamayum, another standout player from Manipur who was named the “Most Valuable Player” of the tournament and the top scorer with three goals, emphasized their dedication to the sport, saying, “We didn’t talk even an iota about the conflict in Manipur and instead focused on football and team spirit.”

These young talents, bound by their love for football, have not only brought pride to their hometown, state, and country but have also showcased the power of

sports in transcending boundaries and fostering unity, even in the most challenging of circumstances.

Despite all the wins, Zangminlun was unable to join the celebration due to ongoing ethnic tensions.

Reports suggest that he may be en route via Mizoram through Churachandpur, bypassing Imphal. Their journey serves as a testament to both the unifying power of sports and the challenges faced by athletes in conflict-ridden regions.