The much-awaited North East Women’s Football League is set to commence on 7 July 2022 at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Stadium in Imphal, Manipur. On 3 July, the final schedule of the league was released during a press conference at The Lalit hotel in New Delhi.
The event, organized in collaboration with the Manipur Football Association and the Anantpur Sports Event Private limited, was graced by many eminent personalities like Bollywood actor Jeetu Verma a.k.a. Jojo, captain of Indian Kabadi team Deepak Hudda, football coach Rakesh Kumar and international Kabadi player Rajesh Narwal.
Also present at the press conference were All Manipur Football Association President, Ratan Kumar, Secretary L Jyotirmoy, Anantpur Sports Event Private Limited Director, Anas Pathan, and tournament coordinator, Nirmal Vyas. “The tournament has been organized in association with the All Manipur Football Association and is expected to witness action-packed clashes between the eight teams from 7 to 23 July.
The primary objective of the league is to promote women’s football and encourage young women towards the game,” noted All Manipur Football Association President Ratan Kumar.Interacting with the media and declaring the final dates of the tournament, the dignitaries present at the press conference informed that the tournament has been organized in view of the popularity of football in North East and to inspire women towards playing the game.
The maiden season of the North East Women’s football league will have a total of 31 matches and eight teams of ace women sportspersons will clash with each other to win the trophy. These eight teams are – Manipur Sangais, Assam Rhinos, Meghalaya Leopards, Tripura Pythons, Arunachal Pradesh Tigers, Sikkim Pandas, Mizoram Black Bears, and Nagaland Wild Hogs.
“Promotion of sports should always be advocated across the country and in this line various sports events will be organized from time to time. Tournaments like the North East Women’s Football League is a major initiative and necessity for the young players, especially women sportspersons,” Chairman of Anantpur Sports Event Private Limited Amin Pathan.
“With seamless and dedicated practice and an attitude to never give up, one can reach any heights in the field of sports. While the sportspersons should keep practising to get better, we will ensure more such tournaments in the future to give the young players a platform to showcase their talents,” Mr Pathan added.