As India gets ready to the host the FIFA World Cup for the very first time, the 17th edition of the competition will see top footballing nations and future footballing stars descend on the subcontinent to participate in the country’s crescendo. But for us, the most implicit detail is the presence of 8 Manipur boys in the 21-member India squad. If you include one more selection from Sikkim, our North East constitutes a staggering 39 percent of India’s maiden Word Cup team.

A population of about 30,00,000 against a population of 1.21 billion people, it almost feels surreal that such a small state in the country – a state with little infrastructure, industry and opportunity – is churning out players like a well-oiled machine. It is important to note that each player from Manipur comes from adversity. In retrospect, they will now serve as torch bearers and shoulder the responsibility of carrying forward the state’s footballing legacy.

People like Renedy Singh, former India footballer from the state’s capital Imphal, have turned into role models for up-and-coming footballers. Singh now undertakes coaching in a bid to give back to the footballing community. Former India women’s captain Chaoba Devi also works in the capacity of a development officer at the grassroots level in Manipur. They attribute the development of the sport to the sheer passion and determination of the Manipuris. With the absence of cricket (a blessing in disguise) in such hilly areas, youngsters turn to football for recreation. The emergence of local clubs and coaches has helped nurture the sport and talent. Collectively, they have laid the foundation and ensured that football can reach a logical conclusion.

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If current U-17 captain Amarjit Singh’s story is anything to go by, his family didn’t even have money to go to New Delhi to watch their son lead the Indian side. This is until some corporates and the AIFF (All India Football Federation) stepped in to help out.

Irrespective of the forthcoming results, these Manipur boys have done India proud. All their days of sacrifice and struggle will help them lift India’s weight at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

– Varun Kumar | SpreadSports