Manipur's Kangpokpi gives heroes' welcome to Minerva Academy's Gothia Cup-winning Kuki trio

Conflict-hit Kangpokpi district in Manipur on July 25 accorded a grand civic reception to three young footballers from the Kuki community whose stellar performances helped Minerva Academy achieve a historic double by winning the Gothia Cup and Helsinki Cup 2026, two of the world's most prestigious international youth football tournaments.

The reception, organised by the Youth Affairs and Sports Department of the Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO) Sadar Hills at its administrative headquarters in Kangpokpi town, drew hundreds of supporters, family members, civil society leaders and football enthusiasts who hailed the trio as symbols of resilience and hope emerging from a region scarred by more than three years of ethnic conflict.

Unable to receive the players at Imphal's Tulihal International Airport, supporters welcomed them at Gamgiphai before escorting them in a celebratory procession to Kangpokpi town, where they were felicitated with traditional shawls, bouquets and cash incentives by KSO Sadar Hills, BJP Yuva Morcha Sadar Hills and several civil society organisations.

The three footballers honoured were Thangsanglen Kipgen of Pangjang village in Saikul Sub-Division, Seiminsang Khongsai of Lhungtin village and Lalvanghao Haokip of Zaphal Veng in Kangpokpi town.

Thangsanglen emerged as the standout performer of the European campaign, scoring 18 goals in the Gothia Cup to win the tournament's Most Valuable Player award before adding another 17 goals in the Helsinki Cup. Seiminsang netted 11 goals across the two tournaments, while Lalvanghao contributed 14 goals, forming one of the most prolific attacking combinations in the competitions.

Often described as the "Youth World Cup", the Gothia Cup in Sweden is the world's largest international youth football tournament, while the Helsinki Cup in Finland is another premier global youth competition. Winning both tournaments in the same season is regarded as a rare feat in international grassroots football and marks one of the biggest achievements by an Indian youth football team overseas.

For Kangpokpi, the triumph carries special significance as the district has remained one of the worst affected by the ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur in May 2023, leaving thousands displaced and disrupting normal life. Against that backdrop, the journey of the three footballers from conflict-affected villages to international champions has inspired many across the region.

A thanksgiving and blessing service was led by Rev. Thangneo Haokip, Pastor of KBC Centre Church, Kangpokpi.

Addressing the gathering, KSO Sadar Hills Youth Affairs and Sports Secretary Lamkhohao Vaiphei backed Minerva Academy founder Ranjit Bajaj's appeal to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to entrust him with India's U-15 national team for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup.

Vaiphei said Minerva Academy's success in Europe reflected Bajaj's proven ability to develop world-class young talent and urged football administrators to prioritise merit-based youth development.

"The achievements of these three boys are not merely personal milestones but a proud moment for Kangpokpi, Manipur and the entire nation. They have demonstrated that talent can flourish despite conflict and adversity," he said.

The reception concluded with loud cheers as residents celebrated what many described as a defining moment for Kangpokpi and Indian youth football, expressing hope that the trio's success would inspire a new generation of footballers from Manipur's conflict-affected hill districts.