States » EastPosted at: Sep 27 2026 6:58PM


Manipur to host ISL Match for 1st time, celebrates Tourism Day

Imphal, Sep 27 (UNI) Manipur will host an Indian Super League (ISL) football match for the first time, with NorthEast United FC scheduled to play a match in the State on November 24, the State government announced today.
The announcement was made during the observance of World Tourism Day 2026 at Sangai Ethnic Park, Moirang Khunou, in Bishnupur district. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh attended the programme held on the theme "Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism".
Addressing the gathering, CM Khemchand said Manipur had recorded around 1.75 lakh tourist arrivals before the 2023 crisis. He noted that tourist inflow had since declined sharply due to the prevailing situation in the State.
Citing Mizoram and Sikkim as examples, the Chief Minister said Mizoram was receiving more than eight lakh tourists annually, while Sikkim was attracting over 17 lakh visitors. He attributed the higher tourist inflow in these states, among other factors, to a stable law-and-order environment.
Khemchand said tourists would not visit Manipur without a peaceful environment and stressed that restoring peace required collective efforts from all stakeholders. He also said that merely beautifying tourist destinations was not sufficient and called for improved tourism itineraries and facilities to meet international standards.
Governor Bhalla said the strength of Manipur's tourism sector lay not only in its landscapes and monuments but also in its people, communities and distinctive traditions. He highlighted the potential of technology to transform the way tourists discover and experience destinations.
The Governor also said the government was promoting homestays to enable local families to participate directly in the tourism economy and ensure that tourism revenue reached the grassroots.
Tourism Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh said tourism could make a significant contribution to the State's revenue and called for efforts to ensure that initiatives aimed at generating revenue were not hindered. He also stressed the importance of unity among Manipur's 36 communities for peace and development.
Thanga MLA Tongbram Robindro Singh called for a community-centred approach to tourism and greater opportunities for local communities and young entrepreneurs to participate in the tourism value chain.
During the programme, Governor Bhalla launched the Manipur Tech Innovation Foundation (MTIF) Portal, while CM Khemchand relaunched the revamped Explore Manipur – Re-Imagining Tourism Portal.
The Governor presented awards to winners of the Re-Imagining Manipur Hackathon, while the Chief Minister presented awards to participants of a bike rally organised as part of the World Tourism Day observance.
The programme also featured cultural dances and songs, besides stalls showcasing various initiatives. The Governor and Chief Minister inspected the stalls along with other dignitaries.
Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, MLAs, attended the programme.
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Tags: #Manipur to host ISL Match for 1st time# celebrates Tourism Day
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