India’s Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore on Thursday, Februry 22 said his ministry is actively considering setting up a World Class Football Academy in Manipur in collaboration with the local state government.

A group of 20 students along with their teachers from Chandel district of Manipur called on Minister of State (I/C) of Youth Affairs & sports Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore today. The students aged between 11-16 years are currently on a National Integration Tour organized by Assam Rifles.

During their interaction, it was conveyed to Col. Rathore that for all the students this is the first trip outside their home district and before this tour they never had any experience of journey by train or bus.

Col. Rathore asked the students about their hobbies, studies and their interest in sports. He noted the remarkable presence of 8 players in the Indian Squad from the Manipur state during the FIFA U-17 World Cup and asked the students to prepare hard in the sport of their choice so that they can participate in future editions of Khelo India School Games. He said, his ministry is actively considering for setting up a world class Football academy in collaboration with the state government in Manipur. Wishing well all the students for their future endeavors, he said the exposure during the tour will widen their horizon of thinking and they will realize their full potential to achieve best in their future career.

(Press Information Bureau – Government of India)