At a time when peace, trust and social cohesion remain vital to Manipur’s future, Assam Rifles has taken another step towards community development by inaugurating a dedicated sports ground at New Changpol village in Chandel district, using sports as a platform to engage young people and strengthen community bonds along the Indo-Myanmar border.
The inauguration was marked by the launch of the Volta Football Tournament and the Sepaktakraw Championship 2026, bringing together 18 teams, including 12 football squads and six Sepaktakraw teams. More than 200 spectators gathered to witness the sporting events, reflecting the community’s enthusiasm for organised sports and collective participation.
The ceremony began with prayers and blessings by local church leaders, seeking the welfare of the community and the successful conduct of the events. Cultural performances and traditional dances by students of Father Joldam School added to the occasion, highlighting the region’s rich cultural heritage and the role of young people in preserving local traditions.
Village chiefs, Village Council members, representatives of Father Joldam School and church leaders attended the programme, underlining the importance of community participation in initiatives aimed at youth empowerment and development.
Sports as a pathway to peace and reconciliation:
In a state like Manipur, where social divisions, insecurity and the challenges of restoring trust have made peacebuilding particularly important, sports can provide a constructive avenue for bringing people together. A football field or a Sepaktakraw court can become more than a sporting venue: it can serve as a shared space where young people learn to cooperate, compete fairly and build relationships beyond social and community boundaries.
While sports alone cannot resolve the complex challenges facing Manipur, sustained sporting initiatives can contribute to a broader peacebuilding effort by encouraging interaction, teamwork, mutual respect and a sense of common purpose. Regular tournaments and accessible sports facilities can also help channel youthful energy into productive activities, nurture local talent and create opportunities for community engagement.
For young people living in remote border villages, access to sports infrastructure can open doors to organised competition while offering a platform to showcase their abilities. Equally important, community participation in such events can help strengthen local connections and create positive shared experiences.
The new sports ground at New Changpol is intended to provide a permanent venue for sporting activities and community gatherings. Through initiatives of this nature, Assam Rifles is seeking to support grassroots development and strengthen engagement with residents in the border region.
Beyond the playing field, the larger objective is to build confidence, encourage dialogue and create opportunities for young people to contribute positively to their communities. In Manipur, where lasting peace requires sustained efforts across communities, initiatives that promote inclusion and shared participation can form a meaningful part of the journey towards reconciliation and stability.
