India’s Jeakson Singh raises ‘Manipur flag’ after SAFF Cup win, says, ‘Want to bring govt attention..’
As India secured their ninth SAFF Cup championship with a thrilling victory over Kuwait in a penalty shootout at Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Tuesday.
During the medal ceremony following India’s SAFF Cup victory, Jeakson Singh stood out by wearing a multi-coloured flag, identified as the “Manipur flag.”
Jeakson clarified that he wore the flag as a symbol of unity and a call for peace in his state, attracting significant attention and admiration from onlookers.
“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,” he told ESPN.
Jeakson Singh proudly displayed the Manipur flag throughout the SAFF championships winners’ medal ceremony and even as he left the field with Mahesh.
However, despite his noble intention of unity and peace, some fans criticized his gesture. Nevertheless, many others expressed their support for Jeakson, acknowledging his significant achievement as the first Indian player to score a goal in the FIFA World Cup.
Responding swiftly to the criticism, Jeakson Singh promptly clarified his intentions, stating that he had no intention of causing harm to anyone. He dedicated the SAFF Cup win “to all the Indians,” emphasizing his desire to unite and celebrate the victory with his fellow countrymen.
