Imphal, June 27 (IANS) Nine players from Manipur who were part of the Indian women’s football team that won the 6th SAFF Women’s Championship called on Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday and apprised him of the achievements of the state’s footballers at the national and international levels, while highlighting the need to further strengthen women’s football in the state.

A senior official in the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said that during the interaction, the players informed the Chief Minister that 23 footballers represented India in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women’s Championship-winning squad, of whom nine are from Manipur.

The Indian women’s football team won the 6th SAFF Women’s Championship, defeating defending champions Bangladesh 3-1 in the final at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa, on June 6.

The victory in Goa secured India’s record-extending sixth SAFF Women’s Championship title.

The delegation informed the Chief Minister that all nine Manipuri players were members of the title-winning SAFF squad. 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 continental tournament for the first time in 23 years.

They further stated that four of the Manipuri players had also represented the country at the 2023 Asian Games in China. The players appealed to the Chief Minister to continue extending support for 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 footballers are compelled to seek employment outside the state, the CMO official said.

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 Indian national team.

Chief Minister Singh 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 the development of sporting infrastructure.

Singh, who is also a lifelong Taekwondo practitioner, said 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.

The nine Manipuri players who were part of India’s title-winning squad in the 6th SAFF Women’s Championship 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).

–IANS

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