Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 02:
In connection with the launch of the keenly anticipated Manipur State League (football) 2006 an eight member joint delegation of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and All India Football Federation (AIFF) led by the former�s president Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi have arrived to attend the inaugural programme tomorrow.
The League being conceived under AFC�s Vision India project to develop football in the world�s second largest populated country would be formally launched at Khuman Lampak Main stadium where Southern Sporting Union, Singjamei and Tiddim road Athletic Union will kick-start the competition.
Delhi is the second State for implementation of the AFC vision.
The AFC team comprised general Secretary Dato� Peter Velappan, Director of National Associations & Clubs Brendan menton, Development Officers Imtiaz ur Rehman, Suvrat Thattee and Jita Singh.
Besides PR Dasmunsi, the AIFF delegates include Vice President Atuo Mezhur and Director (Vision India) Dr Shaji Prabhakaran.
Interacting with media personnel this evening at State Guest house, Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi attributed effort of people of Manipur and mass following football enjoys in the State as important factors for Imphal being considered as launch-pad of India�s ambition to reach international standard.
Responding to a query regarding objective of introducing the Manipur State League Peter Vellapan explained that inevitability of developing football from the grassroots level to produce international class players of India is the most compelling factor to kick-start such a league competition.
To another question related to problem of infrastructure inadequacy in Manipur, PR Dasmunsi, who is also the Union Minister for Water Resources expressed confidence that once the proposed Sports Academy at Imphal is activated requisite infrastructure could be addressed.