In violence-hit Manipur, Meitei, Kuki share football field in rare show of unity
Organised by Assam Rifles, tournament aimed to rebuild trust through sport amid prolonged ethnic tensions
Meitei and Kuki players in action during the 1st Foothills Football Championship at New Keithelmanbi. (AT Photo)
Imphal, Feb 12: Nearly three years after ethnic violence fractured Manipur, Meitei and Kuki footballers shared the pitch for the first time during the Foothills Football Championship at New Keithelmanbi.
The four-day tournament, organised from February 9 to 12 under Operation Sadbhavana, was conceived as a confidence-building initiative aimed at fostering inter-community engagement through sport.
Officials described it as an effort to create a neutral space where young people from different communities could compete and gradually rebuild trust.
A total of 13 teams took part in the knockout-format championship, eight Naga teams, three Meitei teams and two Kuki teams, with 13 matches, including the final, played over the course of the event.
Despite the prevailing socio-political tensions in the State, the tournament concluded without any untoward incident, drawing spectators from neighbouring villages and featuring cultural performances during the closing ceremony.
A 'shared' final
The symbolic high point came in the final, which saw New Keithelmanbi Part II Team B (Meitei) face Haibung FC (Kuki). The Meitei side secured a 5–2 victory, but officials and attendees underscored the larger significance of the fixture itself - Meitei and Kuki players competing on the same field after months of separation.
The winning team received a trophy, medals, certificates and a cash prize of Rs 20,000. The runners-up were awarded Rs 10,000 along with a team trophy, medals and certificates. Both finalists were also presented with complete playing kits.
Athoiba Yumnam (Jersey No. 17) of New Keithelmanbi Part II Team B was adjudged Best Player of the Tournament after scoring five goals, while teammate A. Shyamananda (Jersey No. 18) was named Best Goalkeeper for four crucial saves.
Participation certificates and team cash incentives were also distributed to teams that did not reach the finals, in recognition of their sporting spirit. The championship was organised by the Assam Rifles as part of its civic outreach efforts in the region.
While deep-rooted challenges remain, the sight of Meitei and Kuki players contesting a final on the same field was viewed by organisers as a modest but meaningful step towards restoring dialogue and normalcy through shared spaces.