India's football 'factory' Manipur thrilled at its first date with Blue Tigers

A tiny state of Manipur in rast India, better kwn as 'football factory' of country, is anxiously waiting to host senior national team.

On Monday, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh anunced that state for first time willl host senior India team when Blue Tigers compete in a Tri-Nation Friendly Football Tournament in Imphal from March 22-26.

Kyrgyz Republic and Myanmar are or teams in fray.

As news trickled in, state, which has been supply line for India by producing quality players, is thrilled at opportunity.

"I was thrilled, happy that at last Manipur is getting something it deserved," said former India footballer Kiren Khongsai, first player from state to don India colours way back in 1989.

Since n, Manipur has contributed over 50 players to Indian men and women senior national teams.

"I was lucky to play for India when I did... It is an hour and I am gl that I share this hour with many more Manipur players," said Khongsai who has scored one goal in six appearances for India.

Oinam Bembem Devi, one of game's greatest female players, believes that hosting an international at Khuman Lampak will inspire more young players to keep ir hes down and work hard to earn ir stripes.

"I can tell you from personal experience that hosting se sort of prestigious events goes a long way to providing motivation for players. When Women’s Nationals was hosted in Imphal in 1991-92, I was very young, and I remember watching games, seeing such big players and hoping to emulate m.

"Watching Sunil Chhetri and ors in flesh will be a massive morale booster for today's youngsters who have heard of m, seen m on TV but never orwise," she ded.

decision is part of All India Football Federation's Vision 2047 programme to spre game far and wide.

AIFF executive member, and former India women international Thongam Tababi Devi was keen to d that while men h hour of passing through Imphal first, it also sowed hope for women.

"Many girls in Women’s team are from Manipur and many in past also have been from state," she said.

"It’s good that y are bringing Men’s team here in March. Hopefully after this women will also get to turn out in front of ir home fans, friends and family."