Ailing youth player Ramananda Ningthoujam granted Rs. 5 lacs aid

The 20-year-old has been hospitalized in Manipur due to kidney failure and blurred vision.

The Sports Ministry of India has provided financial assistance of ₹5 lacs to youth player Ramananda Ningthoujam. The youngster is hospitalized due to kidney failure and blurred vision.

Ramananda, who hails from Manipur is the son of a rickshaw driver and currently the family doesn’t have the financial capability to treat the young footballer. Ningthoujam is currently being treated at the Shija Hospital in Manipur.

The 20-year-old has represented India at the U-17 Asian Football Soccer Championships in Guwahati in 2017. He also represented Manipur state in various youth tournaments, including the U-12/U-13 National Sub-Junior Championships in 2013 in Kalyani and U-15 National Championships in Delhi in 2015.   

Speaking on the matter, the Sports Minister said, “The welfare of our athletes is of primary concern for the Government. Ramananda has represented the country on various occasions and contributed to Indian sport.”

"To provide the best facilities, both off and on the field, is important because not only are athletes our national assets, they are also national icons. So, if we cannot ensure a life of dignity for them, then it would be impossible to motivate sportspersons who give up the best years of their life for sport,” he quoted as per Doordarshan News.

The minister announced the decision via his own Twitter handle, where he said, “Sanctioned ₹5 lacs for the ailing Indian junior footballer Ramananda Ningthoujam who is presently at Hospital suffering from blurred vision, along with kidney problem. Will try to help more if necessary. I pray for the speedy recovery of the young player.”

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The amount was sanctioned from the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons. Earlier, veteran sports commentator and football historian Novy Kapadiya was also given financial assistance from the same fund.