Manipur’s senior women’s football team advanced to the national semifinals this week, a result coaches described as remarkable given the disruptions the squad has faced training amid the state’s ongoing conflict. Several players have been training out of temporary facilities after their usual grounds became inaccessible.

The team, long considered one of the strongest state sides in Indian women’s football, drew on players from both valley and hill districts, coaches said, describing the squad’s cohesion as a rare point of unity during a difficult period for the state. Training sessions have at times been relocated on short notice due to security assessments.

The team’s federation said it was working to secure alternate training facilities ahead of the semifinal, with hopes of restoring more consistent access to the squad’s home grounds in the coming months.