Imphal, Feb. 14 -- In a state that has witnessed deep ethnic tensions and prolonged violence, a quiet but powerful movement is unfolding, not in political corridors, but in playgrounds, stadiums and training halls. Across Manipur, young athletes from different communities are choosing gloves, boots and jerseys over hatred and division.

While communities may remain fractured off the field, on the field, there are no lines of separation. On football grounds, boxing rings, and athletics tracks, Meetei, Kuki, Naga, Meitei Pangal (Muslim), Tangkhul, Rongmei, and others train shoulder to shoulder, united by a shared ambition to represent Manipur and India.

Coaches and sportspersons believe that sports hold a rare power in times of conflict, t...