ITANAGAR, Nov 25: In a significant move for football development in the Northeast, NorthEast United FC and the Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday. The agreement, spanning five seasons, marks a new chapter for the sport in the region and aims to foster football growth in Arunachal Pradesh.
The MoU was signed by Pema Khandu, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh and APFA President, and John Abraham, the owner of NorthEast United FC, in the presence of other notable figures. Among those in attendance were Chowna Mein, the Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Kipa Ajay, the Secretary of APFA and AIFF Treasurer, and Mandar Tamhane, CEO of NorthEast United FC.
Pema Khandu expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, calling it a pivotal moment for the APFA. He highlighted that the partnership with NorthEast United FC would play a crucial role in elevating football development in the state. “Our collaboration with NorthEast United FC is a pivotal moment for the Arunachal Pradesh Football Association. This partnership will significantly elevate football development in the region, and there’s no fitting collaborator than NorthEast United FC. We eagerly anticipate the bright future of football in our state,” Khandu stated.
John Abraham, owner of NorthEast United FC, shared his pride in the collaboration, emphasizing the club’s commitment to the development of football in the Northeast. “At NorthEast United FC we believe that we are stronger as one. We are immensely proud to represent the region and this partnership with Arunachal Pradesh Football Association is a landmark moment in the club’s history. We look forward to this partnership as a step towards our vision for football in the Northeast,” Abraham said.
Chowna Mein, Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, also expressed his excitement about the partnership, calling it a proud moment for the state. “This is a proud moment for Arunachal Pradesh that a club like NorthEast United is joining hands with us for the development of football in the state. We are confident that we will have a hugely successful partnership and we will produce champion players that will go on to represent the region on a national level,” Mein said.
Mandar Tamhane, CEO of NorthEast United FC, called the partnership a significant step forward in the club’s vision for football development. “This collaboration between NorthEast United FC and Arunachal Pradesh Football Association is a significant moment for football development in the region. We have always emphasised that we are a club representing the entire region. We believe that this partnership will have a positive impact on football development and create a pathway for players from the region,” Tamhane stated.
Kipa Ajay, Secretary of APFA and AIFF Treasurer, emphasized the APFA’s commitment to football development in Arunachal Pradesh and expressed his delight in partnering with NorthEast United FC. “We at the Arunachal Pradesh Football Association are committed to football development and believe it can drive positive change. We are delighted to join hands with NorthEast United FC on this project that will accelerate football development in Arunachal Pradesh. We hope our players will make the region and nation proud,” Ajay remarked.
