Fixtures announced for the Tri-Nation Football Tournament

The tournament is set to commence on the 22nd of March

The Tri-Nation football tournament is a three-match football tournament that will be played from the 22nd of March to the 28th of March in Imphal, Manipur. India, Myanmar, and Kyrgyz Republic are the three nations that are going to participate in the six-day-long football tournament.

India will try to bolster their squad through their friendly games, and also try their hands with different players and combinations. Some have made their way into the national team for the very first time, after playing impressively in the ISL.

Fixtures for the Tri-Nation Football tournament

India VS Myanmar - 22nd March (6 pm IST)

Myanmar VS Kyrgyz Republic - 25th March (6 pm IST)

India VS Kyrgyz Republic - 28th March (6 pm IST)

The venue for the games is the historic Khuman Lampak Stadium, which has over the years hosted many Hero I-League games and also group stage games of the prestigious Durand Cup in August 2022.

The matches will also be telecast on the Sony sports network and Disney + Hotstar.

AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey’s words ahead of the tournament

Mr. Kalyan Chaubey, who is the honourable President of the All India Football Federation, said this in a press conference ahead of the tournament.

"We all are aware of football’s popularity in Manipur. The state has produced a huge number of footballers, both men, and women, but never before has a national team match been organized in the state. Having launched Vision 2047 recently, our aim is to take quality football to the furthest corners of the country. Manipur’s vibrant football culture makes them deserving hosts, and so they have been given charge of hosting the Senior National Team’s matches." AIFF President Mr Kalyan Chaubey said.

“I have massive respect for the state of Manipur, and was glad to see CM sir’s intent to connect with Indian Football. He told me what we can do for further development of the game,” said Mr Chaubey. “There have already been so many international players from Manipur, but the CM sir is keen to take things even further.

He has promised that the Manipur Government will open an academy, with top-level grounds, infrastructure and hostels. With his leadership, I am sure the AIFF will put its best foot forward to so that every talent in Manipur can be nurtured properly. I can assure you that Indian Football will put all efforts to get the best from the boys and girls of Manipur.” he added.

Imphal Chief Minister Shri N Biren Singh’s thoughts on the forthcoming tournament

Imphal Chief Minister Shri N Biren Singh expressed his excitement for the upcoming friendlies and said,

“It is a great initiative by the AIFF leadership that we are getting to host international friendly matches in Manipur for the first time in history. From our end, I can assure everyone that the Government of Manipur will do everything to provide the best facilities and facilitate the successful organization of the tournament.”

"Manipur has been a significant contributor to the Indian Football scene and we are grateful that the AIFF management has also taken the step towards spreading the game to different parts of the country,” said the hon’ble CM. "Manipur has provided many International players for the National Team. It is indeed an honour to host the tournament and further encourage our players and sports enthusiasts,” he added.

"The likes of Renedy Singh, Gouramangi Singh, Udanta Singh, Amarjit Kiyam, Suresh, Jeakson, and lots more have all set the international stage alight and held the standards of Manipur football high on the national and international stages,” the Chief Minister said.