Guwahati: The Manipuris must be thinking, “It’s been a long time coming but better late than never,” as their state one of India’s major sources of football players gears set to host an international competition starting on March 22.
India and Myanmar will kick off the tri-nation tournament which also includes Kyrgyzstan at the Khuman Lampak Stadium at 1800 IST.
Sunil Chhetri will lead the Indian effort against a team that has lost nine of their past 11 games after recently leading Bengaluru FC to the Indian Super League final.
The head coach of India Igor Stimac will not want his team to take anything for granted as they prepare for the 2023 Asian Cup. He will also expect the young players named to the squad to seize the moment with both hands and establish themselves as contenders for the more important matches to come.
On March 28, at the same location the home team will play Kyrgyzstan after Burma. Manipur has perhaps never been more prepared than it is right now. Of course, a number of Blue Tigers players have frequently participated in local competitions in the nation that has consistently produced some of the best footballers for the national team. But, as far as international tournaments are concerned, it’s a first for the football-crazy state. “Welcome to my home, lads,” said Chinglensana Konsham.