Trio-Nation tournament will hosted by Manipur from March 20 to 28

Imphal: Manipur will host the ‘Hero Tri-Nation International Football Friendly’ tournament from March 20 to 28, 2023 in Imphal.

The tournament will feature teams from India (ranked 106th by FIFA), Kyrgyz Republic (ranked 94th by FIFA), and Myanmar (ranked 159th by FIFA).
During a press conference on Monday, Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced the tournament and appealed to the common people for their cooperation. He emphasized the importance of successful organization of the event and said that the government will make every possible effort to ensure its successful organization.
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of utilizing the opportunity offered by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to the state to host the tri-nation international friendly tournament. He sought the public’s support to attend the matches and acknowledged the state’s contribution to the country’s football scene.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the names of past and present football players from the state who have represented the country on the international platform, including Suresh Wangjam, Amarjeet Singh Kiyam, Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem, Harmipam Ruiwah, Jaekson Thounaojam, and Md Nawaz is included.
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey expressed his happiness over the response of the Chief Minister regarding the holding of the tournament. He acknowledged that Manipur is a football-playing state and since the inception of the National Football League in 1995-96, every club or national team has had at least one player from the state.
The state has sent players to the national teams before, and according to the AIFF president, the AIFF now wants to bring the Indian national senior team to the state for the first time. He added that the Government of Manipur will be responsible for overall hosting of the tri-nation tournament with technical assistance provided by AIFF in collaboration with All Manipur Football Association.
Moreover, Chaubey highlighted the possibility of opening a football academy in the state, complete with sports science and technical support including AIFF coaches, to nurture football talent in the state properly. And they can be prepared to play at the global level.

The press briefing was attended by AIFF Secretary General Shaji Prabhakaran, YAS Director T Phulen and All Manipur Football Association officials.