Kerala Blasters FC announced that it has signed Manipur’s young defender Hormipam Ruivah.
As per the deal, the 20-year-old footballer, who hails from Somdal in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, will play for Kerala Blasters FC for three years till 2024.
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Hormipam Ruivah, who has been playing football since his early childhood, was an integral part of the Indian Arrows in the 2019-2020 season.
According to a media report, the young defender initially joined the Sports Authority of India (SAI) academy in Imphal in 2017.
In 2018, he was a part of the U-18 side of Punjab FC which earned him a call-up to the Indian U-18 squad.
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The center-back played an integral role with Minerva Punjab, winning their maiden Hero Elite U-18 League in the 2018-2019 season.
Hormipam was also in the Indian team that won the 2019 SAFF U-18 Championship held in Nepal.
He spent the 2019-20 season with Indian Arrows on loan from Punjab FC and played 14 matches in defence.
In his 9 appearances for Punjab FC in the I-League, the footballer from Manipur, has been able to draw attention of all for his consistent performances this season.
“I am excited to join and continue my football journey with Kerala Blasters FC. I have heard a lot about their fan base and always wanted to be part of the team,” the report quoted Hormipam Ruivah as saying.
“I promise to strive harder and want to do the best for the Yellow Army in the future. I am eagerly waiting to begin my training with the team,” he added.
The sporting director of Kerala Blasters FC, Karolis Skinkys, said he is happy to have Hormipam in the team.
“I am happy to have a talented player like Hormipam join Kerala Blasters FC. Being the ‘Man of the Match’ on his professional debut, I believe he will bring out some solid performances along with the support of everyone here at the club and especially the Yellow Army,” the report quoted Skinkys as saying.
“He has the potential to turn into a mainstay at the heart of our defence in the future. I wish him all the very best and extend my full support in his football career,” Skinkys added.