TODAY -

Manipuri youth featured by Oprah and Prince Harry now at Asia's largest TEDx Event
Sports sees no gender, Sports sees no gender talk makes a splash at TEDx

L Nomi *

 Sadam Hanjabam at TEDxGateway held in Mumbai
Sadam Hanjabam at TEDxGateway held in Mumbai :: Pix - TSE



"Sports sees no gender, Sports has no gender", these were the exact words of Sadam Hanjabam at TEDxGateway held in Mumbai. The founder of United Nations recognised NGO "Ya All" and curator of Asia's historic all Transgender Football Team was invited for their work in promoting diversity and inclusion in Sports in Asia's largest TED event.

He spoke about how sports can build an inclusive community and help break barriers. He reminded the crowd that sports which everyone sees as neutral and progressive turned out to be categorized only on the basis of gender. Giving examples of champions like Caster Semenya from South Africa, Mary Gregory from United States and India's Shanti Soundarajan who identified as transgender, intersex and others, were stripped of medals just because they failed the "Male - Female" gender test; he grabbed the attention of the crowd on the discrimination that happens in sports on the basis of sex, gender and sexuality.

Giving an example of our own State he pointed out that even a State like Manipur which is regarded as the "Powerhouse of Sports" in the country and has produced over 19 Olympians and multiple champions in every field of sports, there is still no awareness about inclusion in the arena. He further informed the audience about "Yaoshang Festival", which is one of biggest Sporting events in Manipur and informed that many LGBTQI+ individuals do not participate in the sports festival because of bullying and harassment on playgrounds.

He laments the plight of LGBTQIA+ community in the sports globally. Highlighting some of the legalities pertaining to LGBTQAI+ community, he informed that the Supreme Court of Idia recognised Transgender as Third Gender in 2014 and decriminalized homosexuality in 2018.

He enquired " India is a country with more than a billion people accounting for 1/8th of the global population but why do you think many people are not coming out ; why don't we see queer and transgender persons playing in their true identity ?"

"Many individuals like me live closeted with fear and shame. We are always stereotyped and often seek validation from society for our acceptance. Our dreams and opportunities are killed just because society does not count us as "normal" or equal. There is a lot of discrimination in families, workspaces and the society as a whole. Sports were and are no different. Individuals who come out as LGBTQIA+ are ridiculed and even lynched".

In a bid to address this issue, he created "Queer Games", an annual sporting event exclusively for LGBTQIA+ community and supporters in 2018. He uses "Sports for Pride" and has been conducting the games for the last five years in Imphal with the support of many other organizations and corporations.

Teams from US Consulate General Kolkata, High Commission of Canada in India and British Deputy High Commission Kolkata have visited Manipur and provided support and solidarity to the team. Claiming that Manipuris love for football cannot be restricted by gender, he took the bold step of creating Asia's First All-Transgender Football Team in 2020.

The success of the team in creating a campaign for inclusion in sports is documented by hundreds of news articles and publications globally. The story of Sadam Hanjabam and Ya All was documented alongside Lady Gaga, Oprah Winfrey and Prince Harry in a series called "The Me You Cant See" on Apple TV+ last year.

The small organization from Manipur was even listed by the United Nations Envoy on Youth among 10 Global initiatives led by young people "who can inspire you to change the world". However he shared his disappointment in not getting any support or recognition from our own State.

The-one-of-a-kind football team that inspired millions of people globally is still waiting for acknowledgement and runs on crowd funding campaigns to sustain. But as a Manipuri he believes in the power of sports.

Reassuring hope to the community and beyond, he reaffirmed "Ya All reads as YaWol in Meiteilon and translates into Revolution. Ours is an inclusive revolution for everyone. We are on a campaign to make our Nation open up a separate category for transgender persons in sports along with advocating for inclusive sporting events everywhere.

If this becomes a reality, Manipur will prove to be the true powerhouse promoting diversity and inclusion in sports and India would become the proudest country, literally" He calls on the audience by saying "Sports are played for the love of the game; who are we to stop somebody from playing in their true self just because they are unique?"


* L Nomi wrote this article for The Sangai Express
This article was webcasted on December 03 2022.



* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.


LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Lok Sabha polls in Manipur #2 : Gallery
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2024 : Timeline
  • The Taj Mahal that bans Lovers !
  • Importance of bees !
  • Massive hailstorm in Jiribam
  • The messiah of hapless children
  • Attack on fuel tankers & blasting bridge
  • Blame it on Meetei
  • The Happiness Code : Download
  • NH-2 Bridge bombed @Sapermeina : Gallery
  • Crop/animal for higher productivity in NE #1
  • Training Programme under SPARK concluded
  • Why environment control is so difficult
  • 4th Foundation Day- Young Minds Collective
  • All set for second phase poll
  • The Nongsaba phenomenon
  • Khongjom Day @Khebaching #1 : Gallery
  • India's responsibility to end Manipur violence
  • Migrant worker could access TB services only
  • Importance of reading magazines as student
  • SHG pioneering agricultural innovation
  • Nearing the one year mark
  • The enemy within
  • Id-ul-Fitr @Hatta #2 : Gallery
  • Workshop @ NSU Manipur : Gallery
  • 15th Manipur State Film Awards 2023
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Panthoibi Shanglen
  • GSDP doubles, health shines
  • Vote has been cast, repoll held
  • Two faces of democracy
  • Laurels for Scientist Ngangkham Nimai
  • Crime against women in Manipur
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Sugnu
  • Creativity & innovation for vibrant career
  • 4th Foundation Day of YMC
  • Racing towards one year mark
  • Prophetic words, indeed
  • Nupi Landa Thaunaphabishing #14 :: Book
  • 174th Anniv Maharaj Narasingh #1 : Gallery
  • Ensuring Fair Voting in Hills of Manipur
  • Dr Irengbam Mohendra's latest book :: Rvw
  • NDA has the advantage in both
  • Lok Sabha polls in Manipur #1 : Gallery
  • L Rup's Robot 'Kangleinganbi' in Manipuri
  • Art- means of connecting hearts in Manipur
  • Is it Living Alive or Living Death ? :: Poem
  • Rabies - A preventable zoonotic disease
  • April 19, 2024: The blackest day of all
  • Ugly turns on voting day
  • Children Camp @JNMDA Imphal #2 : Gallery
  • The chasm between TB & HIV continues
  • Parliament and its Members
  • Kimchi for health and glowing skin
  • LS election with a difference
  • To vote, or not to vote ?
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba Chak Katpa #2 : Gallery
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Lamjao, Kakching
  • The Power of Poppy - 27 :: Poem
  • Mother Language based education essential
  • Modi's warriors wear regional hats
  • Nest Asia promoting Northeastern Cuisine
  • Now look beyond LS poll
  • The rot in the system
  • Scientists of Manipur : Laitonjam Warjeet
  • Community seed bank @Umathel : Gallery
  • 10 candidates cracked Civil Services Exam
  • Milk of Paradise: History of Opium : Rvw
  • How plastics find their way into our bodies
  • Condemning attack on Trucks along NH-37
  • Cong looking to buck the trend
  • Saving Manipur
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba: 1 occasion, 2 narratives #2
  • Election Duty :: Travellog
  • 1st Nagas' Meet in Punjab
  • How to select right MP to represent Manipur
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Tejpur
  • Bats are Keystone species for the Planet
  • The '15 days' conundrum
  • Free but not so fair
  • Descent of Radha-Krishna #30: Download
  • Before You Vote : My Rumbling Thoughts
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Kakching
  • Meiraba wins All India Sr tournament
  • Finding light in dark through my daughter
  • Navigating life's unreasonable expectations
  • Test of people's character
  • BJP's election manifesto
  • Athoubasingi Numit #1 : Gallery
  • Black rice & Glycemic Index
  • What Nadda should speak at Dimapur rally
  • Open Letter to CM Office Manipur
  • Meghalaya unveils Strawberry festival
  • Benefits of maths newspapers for students
  • Id-ul-Fitr @Hatta #1 : Gallery
  • Are you a good person ?
  • Physics Academy of NE : Executive Body
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Moirang
  • Cherrapunji Eastern Craft Gin launched
  • Cong on cautious path
  • Botox for Hair
  • Posers voters should raise now
  • The lull before the storm
  • 80th Anniv- Battle of Kanglatongbi @UK
  • Vir Chakra Ngangom Joydutta's bust unveiled
  • Hun - Thadou Cultural Festival : Gallery
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Singjamei
  • Election Eclipses: Ballad of Battle & Loss
  • Our voices are equal at the ballot box
  • Scientists of Manipur : Ngangkham Nimai
  • Urgent Call for Solidarity in Manipur
  • Meitei Nongsha #2 :: An Artwork
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Waikhong
  • About NPF-BJP-NPP alliance & why ?
  • World Veterinary Day, 2024
  • The heavy stake behind the LS polls
  • The politics of lying & deception
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba Chak Katpa #1 : Gallery
  • Hun-Thadou Cultural Fest @ Delhi: Report
  • Appeal to Parties & Candidates
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Wangoo
  • Establishment of community seed bank
  • Awareness Programme on new Criminal Laws
  • Make a right choice at the Lok Sabha election
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba: 1 occasion, 2 narratives #1
  • RIST talk-58 : Support systems of elderly
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Hiyanglam
  • Vote, do not boycott !
  • Lok Sabha election: A new dawn in politics ?
  • IIT-Guwahati Half Marathon report
  • Taking ST demand to the election ring
  • Lesson to be learnt from across border
  • Mirabai: Poised for Paris Olympics
  • Legal position for protection of environment
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Keisamthong
  • Heterocyclic compound & biochemical science
  • Inner, torn between two lovers
  • Certification Music Therapy Workshop
  • NOTA as a choice
  • Caesar's wife must be above suspicion
  • Descent of Radha-Krishna #29: Download
  • World Health Day 2024
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Pangantabi
  • The Power of Poppy - 26 :: Poem
  • Fulbright Fellowship Outreach at Arunachal
  • Id-ul Fitr da namaz nattana..
  • Nupi Landa Thaunaphabishing #13 :: Book
  • Lok Sabha election is coming, be prepared
  • 6th Hun-Thadou Cultural Festival
  • Let There Be Free & Fair Election
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Lamlong
  • Science magazines are important for student
  • Interesting choice of candidates
  • The power of We, the voters
  • Inspirations from Scientists of Manipur #1
  • The Case for Amendment of Article 371-C
  • Meitei Nongsha #1 :: Artwork
  • Link between forest & conflict in Manipur
  • Final Call for Application MFA - Phase-2
  • ST for Meiteis call before elections
  • Passing the buck
  • Beating of the Retreat #1 : Gallery
  • Life of our Lives in Ethnic Strife Era! :: Poem
  • IIT-Guwahati annual Half Marathon
  • Follow up: European Parliament on Manipur
  • Yoga & Kegel exercise: Pelvic floor workout
  • Opting for the NOTA button
  • Yearning of the displaced people
  • Kenedy Khuman (Singer) : Gallery
  • 5th NE Women's Peace Congregation
  • World Autism Awareness Day 2024
  • Election fever grips Manipur despite unrest
  • Looking for a decent election hustings
  • Clock ticking towards voting day
  • An exemplary directive
  • Children Camp @JNMDA Imphal #1 : Gallery
  • Memo to Election Commission of India
  • Easter & Holi echo in Nilgiris
  • Holiday Camp for children at JNMDA, Imphal
  • Zero waste is our moral responsibility
  • Elections & loyalty vis-a-vis Manipur crisis
  • Show of strength without unity
  • Yaoshang Pichakari #2 : Gallery
  • Panthoi Chanu : 1st to play in Australia
  • Intensive labs in film preservation
  • Building bridges with books
  • Need of the hour: Political maturity
  • Accepting defeat before the election
  • Descent of Radha-Krishna #28: Download
  • April Calendar for Year 2024 : Tools
  • Natural packaging from bamboo : Gallery
  • The Power of Poppy - 25 :: Poem
  • Everyone has their own Bharat Ratna
  • Nupi Landa Thaunaphabishing #12 :: Book
  • Demand- Manipuri as classical language
  • The Drummer from Odisha
  • Beauty benefits of lemon
  • Yaoshang Mei Thaba #2 : Gallery
  • Manipur's original Ponies : Gallery
  • Yaoshang & Dance of Democracy loom
  • Symposium on Jagadguru Shankaracharya
  • Choosing ITI as a campus after X
  • Yaoshang Pichakari #1 : Gallery
  • Yaoshang @Nabadwip Dham : Gallery
  • How oral health affects your pregnancy
  • Two faces of Holi
  • Prawaas 4.0, Multimodal Transport Show
  • A decade of development of higher education
  • Yaoshang Mei Thaba #1 : Gallery
  • Our Eternal Kangleipak :: Poem
  • Micro-livestock for livelihoods: For NE States
  • The fun of Holi used to be monotonous
  • 2nd Annual Art Exhibition #1 : Gallery
  • About the "Meitei" community from Manipur
  • Unveiling the medicinal benefits of honey
  • The incalculable value of wildlife
  • Promises of true love
  • Trends, Alliances, & Challenges in Elections
  • Meitei Goddess Ngaleima : An Artwork
  • Lamta Thangja @ Imphal : Gallery
  • Meira Paibis of Manipur
  • North East Film Festival #2 : Gallery
  • Students @ Class X Exam : Gallery
  • Saroi Khangba @ Kangla : Gallery
  • Protest for scrapping SoO #2 :Gallery
  • Shopping List for Shivaratri : Gallery
  • N Tombi Equestrian C'ships #1 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2024 #1: Gallery
  • Radio E-pao: Manipuri Film OST (130+ song)
  • Save Manipur : Protest [Feb 15] #3 : Gallery
  • Naorem Roshibina- Wushu Medallist : Gallery
  • GHOST of PEACE :: Download Booklet
  • List of Kings of Manipur: 33 - 1984 AD
  • SPONSORED ADS