Kangpokpi, July 26, 2026: In a moment of immense pride and celebration, the conflict-hit Kangpokpi district of Manipur accorded a grand heroes’ welcome to three Kuki youths who scripted history in European youth football.
Hundreds of supporters, family members, civil society leaders, and football lovers gathered on July 25 at the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) Sadar Hills administrative office in Kangpokpi to honour the three footballers whose brilliance powered Minerva Academy FC to a historic double – winning both the Gothia Cup 2026 in Sweden and the Helsinki Cup 2026 in Finland.
The civic reception was organized by the Youth Affairs and Sports Department of KSO Sadar Hills.
Grand Procession from Gamgiphai to Kangpokpi
Unable to receive the champions at Imphal’s Bir Tikendrajit International Airport (Tulihal) due to the prevailing situation, supporters waited at Gamgiphai and escorted the trio in a massive celebratory motorcade to Kangpokpi town.
The champions were felicitated with traditional Kuki shawls, bouquets and cash rewards by KSO Sadar Hills, BJP Yuva Morcha Sadar Hills and various civil society organisations. A thanksgiving and blessing prayer was led by Rev. Thangneo Haokip, Pastor of KBC Centre Church, Kangpokpi.
Meet The Champions
The three honoured footballers are:
- Thangsanglen Kipgen – Pangjang village, Saikul Sub-Division. Star Performer: Scored 18 goals in Gothia Cup and won Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, plus 17 goals in Helsinki Cup. Total 35 goals.
- Seiminsang Khongsai – Lhungtin village. Scored 11 goals across both tournaments.
- Lalvanghao Haokip – Zaphal Veng, Kangpokpi town. Scored 14 goals, forming one of the most lethal attacking trios in the tournaments.
Why This Win is Historic
The Gothia Cup, held in Gothenburg, Sweden, is known as the Youth World Cup and is the world’s largest international youth football tournament. The Helsinki Cup in Finland is also one of Europe’s most prestigious youth competitions.
Winning both titles in the same season is considered an extremely rare feat in grassroots football and is one of the greatest achievements ever by an Indian youth team on foreign soil.
A Symbol of Hope from a Conflict Zone
The celebration is even more special as Kangpokpi has been one of the worst-affected districts since the ethnic violence erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023. With thousands displaced and normal life disrupted for over three years, the journey of these three boys from conflict-affected villages to becoming world champions has become a symbol of resilience and hope.
Addressing the gathering, KSO Sadar Hills Youth Affairs and Sports Secretary Lamkhohao Vaiphei lauded the boys and supported Minerva Academy owner Ranjit Bajaj’s appeal to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to hand over the charge of India’s U-15 national team to him for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup.
Vaiphei said Minerva’s success in Europe proves Bajaj’s ability to nurture world-class talent and that the federation should prioritize 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,” Vaiphei said.
The event ended with loud cheers and slogans as locals celebrated what many called a defining moment for Kangpokpi and Indian football, hoping it will inspire a new generation of footballers from the hill districts.
