Times of Senapati

The FIFA World Cup Trophy will arrive in Guwahati on January 13, marking its first-ever visit to the Northeast and its return to India after more than 12 years. The Trophy will be unveiled at Barsapara Stadium by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma as part of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Manipur will host a two-day MMA fight night in early April, with amateur bouts scheduled on April 3 and professional fights on April 4. Organised by BonJovi MMA and Fitness, the event aims to showcase Manipur’s MMA talent, feature fighters from across the Northeast, and strengthen the state’s growing combat sports ecosystem.

Manipur clinched the Junior Girls’ National Football Championships 2025 Tier 1 title with a commanding 9–0 victory over Bengal, securing their record 12th crown. The defending champions dominated the final with hat-tricks from Redima Devi and Nira Chanu, completing a third consecutive tournament triumph.

India U-17 football team shocked Iran 2–1 in a must-win qualifier in Ahmedabad, securing their place in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026. Goals from Dallalmuon Gangte and Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam sealed the historic victory, with India finishing as group toppers.

Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu will move up to the 53kg category for the 2028 Los Angeles Games after her 49kg class was dropped by the IOC. Coach Vijay Sharma said the shift will ease Chanu’s physical strain, allowing her to compete more comfortably at future events.