IMPHAL, June 12: The football fever has reached its zenith in the State with football craze fans ready to embrace the biggest sporting event of the world – the FIFA World Cup, 2014, Brazil.
Dwelling into this aspect IFP learnt that the biggest concerned amongst the football enthusiasts so far is the erratic power supply in the State.
Even as the pre-paid system is catered to only limited consumers within some areas of Imphal the football craze people of the state are undeterred and readied themselves to prepare for the worst.
Ratan Athokpam, proprietor of Eastern Sporting Shop (dealing with sports items), revealed that he had purchased a generator exclusively for the football’s biggest event.
The eagerness was very apparently when he told IFP that he also purchased a TATA Sky set top box as back-up plan with no intention to miss a single moment.
Unlike, Ratan, others who cannot afford the luxury of generation or satellite channels, and have to be content with only the local cable networks have chart out plans by forming groups in their locality to watch the extravaganza at a friend’s house or at a neighbour’s.
Y Ranjit, a government employee from Singjamei Heirangoithong, suggested that the government should atleast provide electricity during the world cup matches.
“Manipur is a home to hordes of noted football players representing the country even in the international arena, so it would be wise for the Government to give full access to view the matches”, he continued.
More interesting is that these groupies, which have become a common phenomenon during world cup event, would host a feast or party, in wait of the game.
The degree of the fever apparently is quite high with local football tournaments taking place in every pocket of the State and fans in some places putting up posters of their favourite teams.
To be précised one can see such posters in the heart of Imphal, at Kakhulong kabui locality.
Coming to fans choice, Brazil still remains the top choice of the people.
8 out of ten fans prefer Brazil and are confident that the host would lift the coveted trophy.
Some choose the team for being the spiritual home of the beautiful game while some expected a lot from their star players like 22 year old Neymar (striker) and Oscar (mid-fielder or the so called game maker).
Others still merely believe in the good old Brazilian squad and all time favourite of the world.
Chaoba, panel coach of All Manipur Football Association (AMFA), is of the opinion that Brazilian squad are full of young players and lot to offer. The second favourite is the defending champion team Spain.
While many expressed their opinions based on their favourite and strategies of the particular team, but it remains to be seen as anything can happen.