Imphal, Feb 13: The Assam Rifles Foothills Football Tournament 2026 concluded with a landmark final between Kuki and Meitei community teams at the Keithelmanbi Assam Rifles Football Ground, reflecting a broader effort to foster harmony amid ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur.
Organised by the 33rd Battalion under the 9 Sector of the Assam Rifles, the tournament, themed “Harmony Through Football,” featured thirteen teams from across the state. Beyond sporting competition, the initiative sought to rebuild trust, encourage dialogue, and promote peace between communities affected by the May 3, 2023, violence that had severely disrupted inter-community interaction.
The final saw New Keithelmanbi defeat Haibung FC 5-2 in a spirited contest. Spectators applauded both teams for their skill and sportsmanship, recognising the match as more than a conventional football game. Haibung FC captain Ginminlen Haokip acknowledged the quality of the opposition and expressed satisfaction at competing alongside members of another community, describing the experience as encouraging and positive.
Deepika, Zonal President of the Assam Rifles Wives Welfare Association (ARWWA), highlighted that the tournament’s objective was to send a strong message of peace, underlining sports as a unifying force. Players from both teams echoed the sentiment, emphasising that participation reinforced mutual understanding and bridged divides.
Cultural performances by members of the Meitei and Kuki communities added vibrancy to the occasion, with traditional dances, music, and attire reflecting shared heritage and mutual respect. Keithelmanbi, located along the Kangpokpi–Imphal West border, is home to diverse communities including Meiteis, Kukis, Rongmei Nagas, and Nepalis, making the tournament a meaningful symbol of reconciliation.
For Manipur, the Assam Rifles final will be remembered not merely as a football match, but as a powerful representation of hope, unity, and ongoing healing among communities striving for normalcy.
