Seven footballers from Manipur have been selected in the Indian squad for the upcoming CAFA Nations Cup 2025, reaffirming the state’s reputation as the “powerhouse of Indian football.”
The players — Chinglensana Singh, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Roshan Singh, Udanta Singh, Boris Singh, Jeakson Singh, and Mahesh Singh — will don the national colours in the prestigious Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) tournament to be held in Tajikistan from August 29.
Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh congratulated the players, terming their selection a proud moment for the state. “What a proud moment for Manipur!…Each one of you carries the love, prayers, and hopes of every family back home in Manipur. You remind us once again why Manipur is called the powerhouse of Indian football. Go out there, play your hearts out, and let the world see the spirit of Manipur,” he wrote on his official X handle.
India’s new head coach Khalid Jamil, who announced the 23-member squad on August 25, will lead the Blue Tigers in his first international assignment. Drawn in Group B, India will face hosts Tajikistan on August 29, defending champions Iran on September 1, and Afghanistan on September 4.
