Imphal: Kangpokpi residents greeted three local football stars with a massive civic reception on July 25. The players returned home after a historic double win at the Gothia Cup and Helsinki Cup 2026 with Minerva Academy. Supporters tracked the trio from Gamgiphai to the administrative headquarters of the Kuki Students Organisation Sadar Hills, where they were showered with traditional shawls, bouquets, and cash incentives.
The honored athletes include Thangsanglen Kipgen from Pangjang village, Seiminsang Khongsai from Lhungtin village, and Lalvanghao Haokip from Zaphal Veng. They dominated the international stage. Thangsanglen scored 18 goals in Sweden and 17 in Finland, securing the Gothia Cup Most Valuable Player title. Lalvanghao added 14 goals, and Seiminsang netted 11. This prolific attacking trio helped Minerva Academy achieve a rare feat in grassroots football.
The celebration offered a rare moment of joy for a region hit hard by ethnic violence since May 2023. Rev. Thangneo Haokip of KBC Centre Church led a thanksgiving service to mark the occasion. Lamkhohao Vaiphei of the KSO Sadar Hills used the event to back Minerva Academy founder Ranjit Bajaj in his push to lead India’s U-15 national squad for the upcoming FIFA U-15 World Cup.
Vaiphei praised the players for their grit. "The achievements of these three boys are not merely personal milestones but a proud moment for Kangpokpi, Manipur and the entire nation. They have demonstrated that talent can flourish despite conflict and adversity," he said.
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