Women football players meet CM, seek enhanced support for sportspersons

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jun 27 : Nine players of the Indian Women’s Football Team from the State called on Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh today and apprised him of the achievements of Manipur footballers at the National and international levels.
The nine women footballers who met the CM include 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).
They were part of the 23-member Indian team which won the 6th South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women’s Championship, held in Goa from May 25 to June 6.
Several of them represented India in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup held in Australia after the Indian women’s team qualified for the tournament for the first time in 23 years.
Four of them also represented the country at the 2023 Asian Games in China.
During the meeting, the nine women players highlighted the need for strengthening women’s football in the State.
They appealed to the Chief Minister to continue supporting sportspersons in the State for enhanced representation of the State players in India's National teams.
The women players also urged the Chief Minister to strengthen sports infrastructure and enhance employment opportunities for players to stop talent drain.
The players also urged the CM 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.
They also put forward a proposal to the Chief Minister to organise annual women's football tournaments to strengthen grassroots development, provide greater exposure to young players, and ensure a steady pool of talents who can represent the State and the country.
The Chief Minister appreciated the players for their outstanding achievements and bringing laurels to the Nation.
He reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to promoting sports and creating greater opportunities for aspiring footballers, particularly women, through improved sports infrastructure and sustained support for grassroots development.