Football blurs ethnic divide; Meitei, Kuki & Naga teams fight for trophy

By: MK Henry

CHURCHANDPUR: In a state scarred by conflict and fractured identities, football has emerged as an unlikely but powerful unifier.

Communities that have often found themselves on opposing sides of bitter turf wars came together on the football field, forging a shared identity that transcended caste and ethnic divides.


The Assam Rifles, under its Op Sadbhavna initiative, organized the Foothills Football Tournament from February 9 to 12 at Keithelmanbi in Kangpokpi Tehsil of Senapati district, bringing together 13 teams from Manipur’s three major communities — Meitei, Naga, and Kuki.

The tournament saw spirited participation of two Kuki teams, three Meitei teams, and eight Naga teams which competed in knockout matches marked by sportsmanship and mutual respect.

The final match on Thursday was a thrilling contest between New Keithelmanbi Part-II team B (a Meitei team) and Haibung FC (a Kuki team).

In a high-energy game, New Keithelmanbi emerged victorious with a 5–2 scoreline. The winners received a trophy, medals, certificates, and a cash prize of Rs 20,000, while the runners-up were awarded Rs 10,000 along with medals and certificates.

Individual excellence was also recognized: Athoiba Yumnam of New Keithelmanbi Team B was named Best Player of the Tournament after scoring five goals, while Shyamananda was adjudged Best Goalkeeper. All participating teams, including those that did not reach the finals, were felicitated with cash prizes and certificates, underscoring the spirit of inclusivity.

Defence PRO Lt Col M Rawat told TOI, that the tournament saw a vibrant opening ceremony on Monday attended by over 730 spectators, including senior officials, troops, local club representatives, schoolchildren, and villagers.

“The Foothills Football Tournament 2026 is designed to promote sports culture in Manipur’s foothills, nurture local football talent, and foster bonds between security forces and the community. The enthusiastic turnout and spirited competition underscored the importance of sport as a unifying force in the region,” he said.

Assam Rifles emphasized that the tournament was more than just sport — it was a deliberate effort to foster peace, harmony, and youth engagement in Manipur.

“The successful conduct of the Foothills Football Tournament once again underscores our commitment to strengthening bonds among diverse communities and contributing positively towards peace and development,” Assam Rifles stated.

The four-day event showcased how football, in its purest form, can bridge divides and create moments of unity in a strife-torn state. For Manipur, where communities have long been fractured, the cheers from Keithelmanbi offered a glimpse of hope — that the language of sport can speak louder than the echoes of conflict.