Manipur to host first-ever ISL match as NorthEast United FC brings league to state

Manipur will host an Indian Super League (ISL) football match for the first time on November 24, the state government announced on Sunday, September 27, as it observed World Tourism Day at Sangai Ethnic Park in Bishnupur district.

The announcement was made during a programme organised by the Department of Tourism under this year’s theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.”

NorthEast United FC will bring an ISL match to Manipur, with the fixture scheduled to be held in the state on November 24, according to the government.

Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla said the strength of the state’s tourism sector extended beyond its landscapes and monuments and lay in its people, communities and distinctive traditions.

He said the theme of World Tourism Day was particularly relevant as technology was changing how people discover, experience and share destinations.

Bhalla said the government was promoting homestays to enable local families to convert their homes into tourist accommodation and ensure that tourism revenue reached communities at the grassroots level.

Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said Manipur received around 1.75 lakh tourists annually before the 2023 crisis, but tourist arrivals had declined sharply since then amid the prevailing situation in the state.

Comparing Manipur’s tourism figures with neighbouring states, he said tourist arrivals in Mizoram had crossed eight lakh, while Sikkim received more than 17 lakh tourists annually.

Khemchand Singh attributed the higher tourist inflow in those states in part to their stable law and order situation and said tourists would not visit Manipur in the absence of a peaceful environment.

He said the tourism sector, which could generate substantial revenue for the state, had been affected by the prevailing law and order situation.

The chief minister said the government alone could not bring peace to Manipur and called for collective efforts from all stakeholders.

He also said beautification of tourist destinations alone was not sufficient and stressed the need to improve tourism itineraries and facilities to meet international standards.

During the programme, the governor launched the Manipur Tech Innovation Foundation (MTIF) portal, while the chief minister relaunched the revamped Explore Manipur – Re-Imagining Tourism portal.

The event also featured cultural performances and songs.

Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, Art and Culture Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, MLAs, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, senior administrative officials, security officers and local residents attended the programme.