Imphal, Feb 12: In a landmark event nearly three years following ethnic unrest in Manipur, footballers from the Meitei and Kuki communities played together for the first time since May 2023 during the inaugural Foothills Football Championship at New Keithelmanbi.

This four-day tournament, held from February 9 to 12 under the initiative Operation Sadbhavana, aimed to build confidence and promote inter-community relations through sports.

Officials highlighted the event as a means to establish a neutral ground for youth from various communities to compete and slowly rebuild trust.

Thirteen teams participated in this knockout tournament, comprising eight Naga teams, three Meitei teams, and two Kuki teams, with a total of 13 matches played, including the final.

Despite ongoing socio-political challenges in the region, the tournament wrapped up without any incidents, attracting spectators from nearby villages and showcasing cultural performances during the closing ceremony.

The final match was particularly symbolic, featuring New Keithelmanbi Part II Team B (Meitei) against Haibung FC (Kuki). The Meitei team triumphed with a score of 5–2, but the event's significance lay in the fact that players from both communities shared the field after months of division.

The champions received a trophy, medals, certificates, and a cash prize of Rs 20,000, while the runners-up were awarded Rs 10,000 along with a team trophy, medals, and certificates. Both finalist teams were also given complete playing kits.

Athoiba Yumnam (Jersey No. 17) from New Keithelmanbi Part II Team B was named Best Player of the Tournament for scoring five goals, while his teammate A. Shyamananda (Jersey No. 18) earned the title of Best Goalkeeper for his four crucial saves.

Teams that did not reach the finals were also recognized with participation certificates and cash incentives, celebrating their sportsmanship. The Assam Rifles organized this championship as part of its civic outreach initiatives in the area.

While significant challenges persist, the sight of Meitei and Kuki players competing together in the final was seen by organizers as a small yet meaningful step towards fostering dialogue and restoring normalcy through shared experiences.