Armed Movement Killed Football in Ukhrul

Once there were several prominent players in Ukhrul. However after the advent of insurgency the potential players were lured away to the armed movement. In fact it sounded the death knell of football in the district. Thus recalled veteran politician Rishang Keishing during an exclusive tere-a-tete.

He said that during the reign of Maharaja Bodhachandra players were brought to Ukhrul for exhibition games and many local youths were hooked to the game. Rishang himself was also an enthusiastic player. He said that sports plays an important role in bringing about peace in Manipur where there are 38 tribes. Manipur is a beautiful place and is blessed with prominent players.

Realising the important role sports plays in integration it was during my tenure as the chief minister that the Khuman Lampak sports complex was constructed though the inauguration was at the time of Nipamacha and the 5th national games hosted. During my stint as the MP I had sanctioned money for organising football tournaments for the players from the hill districts. Churachandpur and Tamenglong had already hosted it. He said that there should be a balanced development in both the hills and valley.

It appears that the government has been targeting the valley only when some central institutes are to be set up. There are five hill districts and four valley districts and this should be taken into account during developmental works.