For two and a half years, Kuki and Meitei have been associated primarily with violence and despair in the media. However, a recent football match in Ahmedabad offered a poignant reminder of unity, as India’s Under-17 football team celebrated a historic 2-1 victory over Iran, securing a place in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup finals in Saudi Arabia. The goals that led to this victory were scored by two teenagers from Manipur—Dallalmuon Gangte (Kuki) and Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam (Meitei)—symbolizing a blend of their divided identities and a shared dream.
The significance of this win resonates deeply in Manipur, where many continue to live in relief camps due to ongoing conflict. On social media, both communities celebrated their respective players while some expressed a hope for unity through football, with one Meitei group stating, “If football can unite us, maybe peace can too.”
The Indian squad includes nine players from Manipur, reflecting a pre-conflict legacy where football was celebrated more than strife. Despite the bleak realities—over 58,000 individuals living in temporary shelters, restrictions on travel, and President’s Rule still in effect—this victory provided a brief moment of joy and a glimpse of a harmonious Manipur that could be restored.
Ultimately, this match demonstrated that for ninety minutes, the children of Manipur could forget their divisions and enjoy the game together. In a context where politics has failed to bring peace, football symbolized a collective breath of hope for a united future.
