Imphal: In the world of sports, Manipur is fast emerging as a land of not just medals — but stories of grit, glory, and unwavering passion.
From the small village of Yairipok Singa Heirong in Thoubal district, Singamayum Arbash Khan has risen as one of Manipur’s brightest football stars.
Wearing the number 10 jersey for India’s Under-19 team in the Indian Youth League, Arbash doesn’t just aim for the goalpost — he plays to make his nation proud.
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His home now proudly showcases a collection of medals and trophies, with titles like Most Valuable Player and Highest Goal Scorer in the SAFF Under-16, Under-17, and Under-19 Championships to his name.
Singamayum Arbash Khan, India U-19 football player:
(Translation) This is just the beginning. I have much more to achieve and aspire to play at the highest level. Since childhood, I’ve dreamt of representing India and often wondered if I’d ever make it this far.
Arbash received his initial training from his father, a former footballer and coach himself.
Recognizing his son’s passion, he built a small football field behind their house — and that’s where Arbash’s journey of dedication truly began.
Singamayum Amzad Khan, Father of Arbash:
(Translation) Since early childhood — when he was just two and a half or three years old — he showed a strong interest in football. As a footballer myself, I was eager to train him. I built a small football field on our homestead and began teaching him the basics. Later, I enrolled him at the Keisham Malemnganba Football Academy, and eventually at the Classic Football Academy, where he continued his training and development.
Now in Class 12, Arbash dreams of donning the Indian jersey on football’s biggest stage — the FIFA World Cup.
With his parents cheering him on every step of the way, that dream is inching closer to reality.
(ANI)