Imphal: Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen recognized four young athletes from Kangpokpi district on Saturday for their success in football and badminton. The Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO-SH) hosted the event at El-Shaddai in Kanggui. Kipgen sponsored the awards to highlight sports as a pillar of nation building. Each athlete received Rs. 50,000 and a certificate.
Footballers Thangsanglen Kipgen, Lalvanghao Haokip, and Seiminsang Khongsai play for Minerva Academy FC. They recently won titles at the 2026 Gothia Cup in Sweden and the Helsinki Cup in Finland. Thangsanglen, called the Indian Neymar Jr., scored 35 total goals to secure the Most Valuable Player award. Lalvanghao added 14 goals, while Seiminsang scored 11.
Badminton player KimKim Khongsai, known as the Saina Nehwal of Kangpokpi, earned honors for winning the All India Under-15 National Badminton Championship in Hyderabad. These athletes achieved success despite the ethnic conflict and displacement in their home region.
Kipgen addressed the crowd. She emphasized the importance of discipline. Quoting Napoleon Bonaparte, she stated, "Give me good mothers, and I will give you a great nation." She urged the youth to show patriotism through excellence.
The event included a prayer from Rev. Thangsat Kipgen and a performance by singer Ng. Phalnu Kipgen. KSO-SH general secretary K. Shongreng coordinated the program. Representatives from KISH, SAHILCA, KWU, and KWWO attended. The KSO-SH used the platform to appeal to the All India Football Federation to appoint Minerva Academy founder Ranjit Bajaj as coach for the upcoming FIFA U-15 World Cup.
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