Imphal, Feb. 13 -- In a significant gesture of unity amid ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur, the Assam Rifles Foothills Football Tournament 2026 concluded with a historic final between teams representing the Kuki and Meitei communities at the Keithelmanbi Assam Rifles Football Ground in Imphal.

Organised by the 33rd Battalion under the 9 Sector of the Assam Rifles, the tournament was held under the theme "Harmony Through Football." Thirteen teams from different parts of the state participated, with the larger aim of promoting peace, rebuilding trust and encouraging dialogue through sports.

The final saw New Keithelmanbi take on Haibung FC, widely regarded as more than just a football match. It marked one of the rare competitive sportin...