Wikipedia - North Imphal Sporting Association
North Imphal Sporting Association, commonly known as NISA Manipur, is an Indian professional football club based in Thangmeiband, Manipur. NISA is five-time champions of the Manipur State League, which is a project under the Vision Asia program by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). They have also participated in the I-League 2nd Division, then second tier of Indian football league system.
History
Formation and journey
North Imphal Sporting Association was originally founded during the 1950s and was revived in 2006. The club is affiliated with the All Manipur Football Association (AMFA). NISA has been participating in the prestigious Manipur State Football League since its inauguration in 2006 and lifted the trophy on three occasions. After winning the state league in the 2009–10 season, they qualified for the 2nd Division of the I-League, then top flight of Football in India.
NISA lifted prestigious Churachand Singh Invitation Trophy in 2007, defeating AMOFA Moirang, 2–0. They are also two time runners-up in the tournament during its 1969 and 1994 edition.
In the 2010 I-League 2nd Division, NISA started by winning four of six matches and secured a berth to the I-League qualification playoffs with 15 points. However, they failed to qualify for the 2010–11 I-League after a heartbreaking bottom finish without a single win.
2011 season
The team again participated in the I-League 2nd Division of the 2011 season. They were in group A with United Sikkim FC, Gauhati Town Club, Southern Samity, Langsning FC, Simla Youngs FC, and Golden Threads FC.
NISA opened the 2011 I-League 2nd Division with a 3–1 win over Golden Threads FC. NabaChnadra scored 2 goals and N Rakesh scored one. NISA beat Shimla Youngs 3–0. They finished their group A qualifying with 9 points and didn't qualify for final round. Their striker L. Nabachandra emerged as top scorer for the club with three goals.
The defending champion North Imphal Sporting Association Thangmeiband retained themselves as the champions in the prestigious Manipur State League in its sixth edition.
Later years
NISA again lifted Manipur State League title in 2013, defeating SSU Singjamei through penalty-shootout. The club also participated in Kohima Royal Gold Cup in Nagaland.
In 2019, NISA participated in Bodousa Cup in Assam and finished on third place. In that competition, they were given Fair Play Award.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in India pandemic, Manipur State League was cancelled in 2020 and again in April 2021, but came back in October, in which NISA was in Group B but failed to reach the knock-out stages.
The team has a rich history in the sport, with a dedicated fan base that supports them through thick and thin. NISA has competed in numerous tournaments and championships, showcasing their determination and skill on the field.
With a strong emphasis on teamwork and unity, the India soccer team continues to strive for excellence and success in every match they play. Their commitment to the sport and their country is evident in their hard work and dedication, making them a force to be reckoned with in the world of soccer.