The Union sports ministry has sanctioned Rs 5 lakh for the ailing Indian junior footballer, Ramananda Ningthoujam.

This has been confirmed by Union sports minister Kiren Rijiju.

Ramananda Ningthoujam is suffering from blurred vision along with kidney problems, Rijiju said.

The union minister also said his ministry will try to help more is necessary.

“Sanctioned Rs 5 lakhs for the ailing Indian junior footballer Ramananda Ningthoujam who is presently at Hospital suffering from blurred vision, along with kidney problem. Will try to help more if necessary. I pray for the speedy recovery of the young player,” tweeted Rijiju.

Sanctioned Rs 5 lakhs for the ailing Indian junior footballer Ramananda Ningthoujam who is presently at Hospital suffering from blurred vision, along with kidney problem. Will try to help more if necessary. I pray for the speedy recovery of the young player. pic.twitter.com/VuO0mjqM5X

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) September 9, 2020

According to media reports, Ramananda, who hails from Manipur, is the son of a rickshaw-puller and his family has not the capacity to provide him proper medical care.

The junior footballer is undergoing treatment at the Shija Hospital in Manipur.

Ramananda represented India at the U-17 Asian Football Soccer Championships in Guwahati in 2017.

He also played in the U-12/U-13 National Sub-Junior Championships in 2013 at Kalyani and U-15 National Championships in Delhi in 2015.

Ramananda has also represented India at various junior international events.

The player has been granted the financial assistance of Rs. 5 lakh under the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons.

Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh earlier extended monetary help to the footballer.

His friends and family members launched a Facebook page in his name, seeking donation for his treatment.

A total amount of Rs 4 lakh was reportedly arranged through donation for the footballer’s treatment.