Imphal: The District Administration and the CRPF are holding football camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) children in Manipur, including an initiative in Bishnupur district.
The programme features certified coaches and aims to empower youth through sports in the aftermath of the violence.
Deputy Commissioner of Bishnupur, Pooja Elangbam, along with the Commandant of 08 BN CRPF, Anil Kumar Ram, and football coach Potsangbam Renedy Singh, inaugurated a Football Training Camp for Internally Displaced Children at the Mini Secretariat Complex, Bishnupur, on Friday.
The District Administration, Bishnupur, in association with 08 Dett. Bn. CRPF, is organising the three-month-long training camp, with sponsorship from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
A total of 35 children are receiving football training under the guidance of international- and national-level certified coaches, including Potsangbam Renedy Singh.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural function, DC Pooja Elangbam said the camp is a foundational step towards producing skilled footballers who can represent the state and the country at the international level.
She urged the children to showcase their potential and enthusiasm so that the coaches can identify and nurture their talents to help them reach greater heights. She encouraged the participants to make full use of the opportunity and learn as much as possible from the coaches.
Highlighting Manipur’s rich sporting legacy, she said the state is a powerhouse of sports and that the camp would help the children become part of that legacy.
She further stressed that sports play a vital role in character building by teaching values such as teamwork, mutual support, resilience, and learning from failure.
The DC also thanked NHIDCL and 08 Dett. Bn. CRPF for supporting the organisation of the training camp for internally displaced children.
As part of the inaugural programme, officials distributed football jerseys and boots to the children.
National-level footballers from Manipur were also present to motivate and inspire the young trainees.
Meanwhile, official reports from late 2023 indicated that Manipur’s ethnic violence displaced over 14,000 schoolchildren, adding to tens of thousands of IDPs.
Many children have suffered trauma, depression, and disruptions to their education, although some resettlement efforts are underway as of early 2026.