Kshetrigao MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan Inaugurates 1st Kshetrigao Premier League for Football and Cricket

Imphal, November 1, 2025: The 1st Kshetrigao Premier League for Football and Cricket was officially inaugurated today at the KIYC Turf Ground, Kshetri Awang Leikai, marking a historic sporting initiative in the Kshetrigao Assembly Constituency. The event is sponsored and led by Hon’ble MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan, 4-Kshetrigao Assembly Constituency, who also serves as the Functional President of the tournament.

The opening ceremony was graced by Hon’ble Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly Shri Th. Satyabrata Singh as the Chief Guest, MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan as the Functional President, and Shri K. Robindro Singh, MLA Mayang Imphal A/C, as the Guest of Honour. The event was attended by participating clubs, executive members of constituent clubs, officials of the Kshetrigao Meitei Pangal United Clubs (KMPUC), and a large number of local residents and well-wishers.

The Kshetrigao Premier League features both football and cricket tournaments offering substantial cash prizes. The football tournament (9-a-side, open format) began today, while the cricket tournament (10-over format) will begin on November 2. Each category carries prizes of ₹5,00,000 for the champion, ₹3,00,000 for the runners-up, and ₹1,00,000 for the third-place team. The event is co-sponsored by Noor Restaurant, Princeton International School, and Green Mani Waste Solution Pvt. Ltd.

Addressing the gathering, MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan stated that the Kshetrigao Premier League aims to promote unity, discipline, and a drug-free lifestyle among youth through sports, while nurturing local talent and strengthening community spirit. He emphasized the importance of investing in grassroots sports, saying,

“To support players technically and financially and to nurture them, I have sponsored and supported the Kshetrigao Premier League so that Kshetrigao becomes a powerhouse of sports.”

Highlighting the sporting potential of his constituency, the MLA mentioned that Kshetrigao has only three playgrounds suitable for 11-a-side matches but is home to many active sports clubs. He further informed that 11 players from Kshetrigao have represented Manipur in the Ranji Trophy, and that the first Meitei Pangal woman football player at the national level also hails from the constituency.

He explained that Kshetrigao comprises 30 villages and 46 polling stations, each with active clubs contributing to the growing sports culture. Out of 47 registered clubs, 37 clubs are participating in this league, making it one of the largest local sports tournaments in the constituency.

MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan also announced that similar tournaments will soon be organized for chess, carrom, badminton, taekwondo, judo, wrestling, and other indoor games starting from January 2026, as part of his broader initiative to promote sports infrastructure and youth development.

Delivering his speech as Chief Guest, Hon’ble Speaker Th. Satyabrata Singh appreciated the growing enthusiasm for sports in Kshetrigao and emphasized the need to nurture players from the grassroots level instead of only recognizing them after they win medals. He said,

“Manipur, known as the Powerhouse of Sports, has seen a slowdown in recent years. It is very unfortunate, and we must work together to revive that legacy.”

The opening football match of the league was played between Kshetri Iril Mapal Youth Club (KIYC) and Athletics Brothers Association (ABA), with ABA defeating KIYC 3–2 in a closely contested game.

Matches for both football and cricket will be held at two venues — KIYC Turf Ground, Kshetri Awang Leikai, and ABA Playground, Kshetri Mayai Leikai.

The 1st Kshetrigao Premier League marks a significant milestone in promoting grassroots sports, community participation, and youth engagement in the constituency, setting a strong foundation for future sporting events in Kshetrigao.