Manipur United crowned champions of Bishnupur Girls’ Football Tournament

Bishnupur, Nov 3 (DIO)
Manipur United Football Academy emerged the champions of the Bishnupur Girls’ Football Tournament 2025 as they beat ICSA Irengbam 3-2 in a thrilling final match here at the Mini Secretariat Complex, Bishnupur.
The five-day tournament, organised by the 08 Battalion, CRPF, in collaboration with the Deputy Commissioner of Bishnupur, Sports Authority of India, Manipur Police, NHPC, and NHIDCL, brought together 12 teams in a 7-a-side format. The competition started on 30th October 2025.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Deputy Commissioner Bishnupur, Pooja Elangbam, lauded the event as a true celebration of unity and resilience. She highlighted the beauty of the tournament where players from different corners of the State belonging to various communities and tribes came together, bound by their shared love for football.
 Pooja Elangbam emphasized, “Sports have the power to heal, to unite, and to build peace. This tournament stands as a beacon of hope, a reminder that when we invest in our youth, in our girls, and in sports, we invest in a brighter, stronger, and more peaceful future for Manipur.”
She expressed gratitude to the organizers, sponsors, supporters, and well-wishers who made the event possible, and extended heartfelt congratulations to the winning team and all participants for their dedication and sportsmanship.
Chief Guest IK Muivah, ADGP Manipur Police commended the organizing committee for its commitment to promoting women’s participation in sports. He affirmed that more such initiatives should be encouraged in the future and congratulated all the players for their hard work, passion, and willpower.
Among the distinguished dignitaries present were IGP CRPF Vimal Kumar BISHT; Head of Project, NHPC Gursharan Singh;  N Kunjarani Devi, Commandant CG CRPF Langjing; Olympian  Sushila Devi Likmabam and commanding officers of various Central Forces.
The Bishnupur Girls’ Football Tournament 2025, held under the theme “Sports for Peace and Development,” forms part of the Khelo India initiative, aimed at promoting women’s participation in sports and fostering community development through teamwork and inclusivity.