Guwahati, July 5: Indian midfielder Jeakson Singh has celebrated the win in a different style on Tuesday. He wrapped multi-coloured flag over his jersey, which was a Manipur flag and appeal people of the state for peace.
As confirmed by Jeakson it was his “Manipur flag”, which he donned as a sign of unity, urging nothing but peace in his state.
India clinched their ninth SAFF cup title by defeating Kuwait 5-4 in the penalty shootout on Tuesday at Sree Kanteerav Stadium in Bengaluru, but the three players, who hails from Manipur celebrated the win in different style.
Jeakson Singh, Mahesh Singh, Udanta Singh
They were part of the Indian team that won the SAFF Championship 2023 and they are from Manipur. Yes Manipur, that has been burning for the last two months. So when you celebrate the win today, remember Manipur,”.
All three players are an integral part of the Indian national team and played a key role in helping the Blue Tigers lift their second silverware in a little over a fortnight.
It’s my Manipur flag. I just wanted to tell everyone in India and Manipur to stay in peace and not fight. I want peace,” Jeakson Singh said.
I hope that peace returns to my home state of Manipur.
Thank you to the fans for coming out and supporting the team tonight! #SaveManipur #PeaceAndLove #india #saffchampion2023
— Jeakson Singh Thounaojam (@JeaksonT) July 4, 2023
Not only did Jeakson collect the SAFF championships winners medal with the flag wrapped, it was on display till he left the field with Mahesh.
Jeakson’s gesture didn’t go well as a section of fans condemned the act, despite it being for a noble reason. Others extended their support to the midfielder, who is also the first Indian player to score a goal in FIFA World Cup.
He didn’t waste much time to react to the criticism and clarified his intentions were not to hurt anyone, dedicating the win “to all the Indians.”
“Dear Fans, By celebrating in the flag, I did not want to hurt the sentiments of anyone. I intended to bring notice to the issues that my home state, Manipur, is facing currently. This win tonight is dedicated to all the Indians,” he wrote on social media.
Dear Fans,
By celebrating in the flag, I did not want to hurt the sentiments of anyone. I intended to bring notice to the issues that my home state, Manipur, is facing currently.
This win tonight is dedicated to all the Indians. pic.twitter.com/fuL8TE8dU4
— Jeakson Singh Thounaojam (@JeaksonT) July 4, 2023
Also read: Conrad Sangma congratulates Team India for SAFF Championship 2023 win
