The Indian football team defeated Kuwait in a penalty shootout on Tuesday to win the SAFF Football Championship for the ninth time in its history. However, the presentation ceremony was mired in controversy when Indian midfielder Jeakson Singh carried the seven-colour flag to collect the medal at the presentation ceremony in Bengaluru. Jeakson Singh’s action comes in the wake of ongoing violence between Meiteis and Kukis in the state of Manipur. Social media has been divided over Jeakson Singh’s move, with some calling the act “isolated” and “unprofessional”.
Jeakson Singh making a political statement with the Salai Taret flag on his shoulder at India’s SAFF victory party tonight. “This is my Manipur flag. I just wanted to know the world what is happening in Manipur … I just wanted to tell everyone in India and Manipur to be calm and not fight.
Now it’s been 2 months and the fight is still going on. I don’t want this kind of thing to happen again and I just want to attract the attention of the government and other people to get peace. Manipur has been gripped by violence since early May 2023 when clashes broke out between two ethnic groups, the Meiteia and the Kukis.
But Jeakson was not alone in his gesture. Next to the Indian flag hanging in the crowd, the Kanglipak flag also appeared.
Both sides missed penalties and a sudden death penalty was awarded. Mahesh Naorem scored for the Indian team. Sandhu faced a tough challenge when Kuwait captain Khaled Hajiah stepped in to restore parity. Sandhu was able to make a save to keep Khaled’s shot off the goal line. Earlier in the game, Shabaib Al Khaldi put Kuwait in the driving seat in the 14th minute of the game. India equalized in the very next minute. Marzouq met Lallianzuala Chhangte’s powerful left-footed shot from the edge of the box before Chhetri pounced on the ball but Khaled Hajiah cleared it away.
Jeakson also later released a statement through the AIFF: “By celebrating the flag, I did not want to hurt anyone’s feelings. My intention was to draw attention to the problems that my home state of Manipur is currently facing. This night win is dedicated to all Indians. I hope that peace will return to my home state Manipur. Thanks to the fans for coming tonight and supporting the team.”