India’s Under-17 football team secured a 2-1 win over Iran at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad, booking a place in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup finals in Saudi Arabia next year. Iran opened the scoring, but India equalised before half-time through a penalty from Dallalmuon Gangte, and Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam netted the winner in the second half.
Both scorers hail from Manipur’s Kuki and Meitei communities, marking a symbolic moment of unity amid the state’s prolonged ethnic conflict. The All India Football Federation announced a 23-member squad featuring nine players from Manipur — seven Meitei and two Kuki.
Social media reactions in the state reflected ongoing divisions, though some posts highlighted the shared achievement, expressing hope for peace. Manipur, which has battled ethnic violence since May 2023, continues to remain under President’s Rule, with more than 58,000 people in 351 relief camps.
Despite the turmoil, football has remained one of the few activities accessible to children in relief camps and has emerged as a unifying force. Matches in Imphal have gradually resumed, and players from both communities have trained together in the national camp since August. Their performance in Ahmedabad offered a brief sense of collective pride against the backdrop of continued separation and hardship.
