In a heartening display of unity amid Manipur's ethnic strife, the Assam Rifles Foothills Football Tournament 2026 concluded with a historic final pitting teams from the Kuki and Meitei communities against each other, fostering hope for reconciliation through sport. Organized by the 33rd Battalion under the 9 Sector of the Assam Rifles, the event unfolded under the theme “Harmony Through Football” at the Assam Rifles Football Ground in Keithelmanbi, near Imphal. Thirteen teams from across the state participated, aiming to promote peace, rebuild trust, and spark dialogue in a region scarred by prolonged unrest.
The tournament's final between New Keithelmanbi and Haibung FC transcended mere competition, marking one of the rare instances since the outbreak of violence on May 3, 2023, that members of the Kuki and Meitei communities engaged in a shared sporting event. In a high-energy match, New Keithelmanbi clinched a decisive 5-2 victory over Haibung FC, drawing cheers from spectators and participants alike.
Players from both sides expressed profound joy at the opportunity to compete together, emphasizing sport's role in bridging communal divides. "Through sports, we are united. We are happy to play with each other," players from both communities told ANI, capturing the event's unifying spirit.
Haibung FC Captain Ginminlen Haokip, speaking to ANI on Thursday, praised his team's effort while downplaying the surrounding tensions. "We don't think about anything about the tension going on in Manipur. We played the game very well. We were supporting each other," Haokip said, highlighting the camaraderie on display.
The festivities extended beyond the pitch, featuring vibrant cultural performances by members of the Meitei and Kuki communities. Traditional dances, adorned in colorful attire and accompanied by rhythmic beats, infused the occasion with celebration, symbolizing a shared heritage and mutual respect.
This tournament stands as a poignant reminder of sport's potential to heal divisions in Manipur, offering a glimmer of optimism in the face of ongoing challenges as communities seek pathways to peace.
