Fifteen Manipur footballers feature in the Indian squad for the U-16 8th SAFF Championship 2023 which will be held at Thimpu, Bhutan from September 1-10, 2023.
The footballers from the state are Aheibam Suraj Singh (GK), Yaipharemba Chingakham, Ngariyambam Abhijit, Usham Thoungamba, Chingtham Renin, Karish Soram, Vumlenlal Hangshing in defenders while Ningthoujam Newton, Kangujam Yoihenba Meitei, Bobby Singh, Ngamgouhou Mate, Ahongsangbam Samson, Lairenjam Bharat as midfielder and Md. Arbash and Ningthoukhongjam Rishi as Striker.
Six countries viz. Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and host Bhutan are participating in the championship. India is in Group A, along with Nepal and Bangladesh.
It can be mentioned that India is the defending champion, winning the title for the fourth time in 2022, beating Nepal in the final.
