TODAY -

Interview with Indian Hockey Player - Shanglakpam Nilakanta Sharma

Khuman *

 Shanglakpam Nilakanta Sharma
Photo Courtsey:- Shanglakpam Nilakanta Sharma



Shanglakpam Nilakanta Sharma is an Indian professional field hockey player. He plays as a midfielder and represented India in the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. And, he finally won a Gold Medal. He is from a state called Manipur which is in the corner of the north-eastern region of India. Manipur has been the “Power House of Sports” since its merger to country.

E-pao: - First of all, we would like to congratulate you and your whole team.
Nilakanta: - Thank you so much. And it’s my pleasure to meet you.

E-pao: - Please share how you started your career.
Nilakanta: - This question makes me recall my past days. Really feel emotional in sharing how I started my career. In an early age, I used to follow and play with brothers and seniors in my locality. I started playing hockey in the local playground along with them. Just very close to my home, there is a local club called YCCIC – Youth Club Cum Information Centre. I started playing for this club since 2003.

Then, I played for Posterior Hockey Academy Manipur. I joined Bhopal Academy in the year 2010. Then, I shifted to Bhopal to shape my career in the year 2013. I got the opportunity to participate in National Level Tournament once I shifted outside Manipur. I would like to say that once I move out of state I am able to see the world of sports broadly like competitive level, power of training, etc.

E-pao: -The moment you won the Gold Medal in the Asian Games 2022. How do you feel?
Nilakanta: - For every player, their dream is to compete at the high level. I always have dream of playing and competing in the big platform. Because of my hard-work and dedication, I am able to achieve this medal. At the same time it gives more value to the country’s hockey team. I feel very proud in achieving a Gold Medal in the Asian Games 2022.

E-pao: -Well, Hockey is a team sport. How would you like to express playing in a team?
Nilakanta: - Very true. Hockey is a team sport. All the players in a team have a specific role while playing a match. We need proper communication and co-ordination among the players in a team. We need to understand each other very well in terms of our playing skills and techniques.

If we have proper communication, co-ordination and support then we can play the match without losing concentration and endurance. When I was playing in the Junior Category I had a fear in dealing people, how to manage myself among the team members in a team, and sometimes unable to understand the Coach. But, after participated in the Olympic Games Tokyo in Japan, most of my challenges and fears were gone. Once we have proper communication and co-ordination then it is very easy to build up the team atmosphere.

E-pao: -Nilakanta, we would also like to know about your daily routine.
Nilakanta: - Very interesting. The daily Routine is not only for sports players. We all need a daily routine to perform well and achieve targets in our lives. Well, for my playing, I have a Morning and Evening Routine Daily. Practice in the morning and evening, say practice three times a week.

One very interesting thing is we are not trained or practiced only playing hockey. We also have a Gym and Psychology Class. What I like most in the Psychology Class is that it helps an individual build up confidence and boosts their personality. This kind of class/training helps us to be more energetic, enthusiastic, and able to face people. Overall, it is the means to develop our personality.

 Shanglakpam Nilakanta Sharma
Photo Courtsey:- Shanglakpam Nilakanta Sharma



E-pao: -Nilakanta, What’s the best advice you’ve gained from your coaches?
Nilakanta: - Worth answering this question. I would like to thank some of my ojas (teachers/coaches) who have helped me a lot since the starting of my career, namely Oja Chandikumar, Oja Romesh, and (Late) Oja Herojit. Under their guidance, I started playing hockey. I still remember that once upon a time, Oja Brojen from Y.A.S (Youth Affair and Sports) told me that Nilakanta played midfield.

So, today I am a midfielder. Their guidance and support are priceless. I don’t have a special word to describe the way they gave me advice. What I am today is only because of them. When I started playing Senior Level, Sir Harendra gave me a lot of valuable advice to be a professional hockey player in terms of skills and other technical advice.

Here I would like to quote that it is very important to understand our coaches from every angle because they play an important role in shaping the career of a player. Once they reject us, then our career is over. So understand the coaches and give your best.

E-pao: -Nilakanta, Whom do you credit for your success in the career so far?
Nilakanta: - First of all I would like to thank my family because since my early days every member of my family has extended their support in all ways. I am married and I would like to thank my wife for her sacrifice, understanding, helping and always supporting me. I would also like to say thank you to all my coaches who have guided me throughout my career and thanks to my friends and all the hockey lovers.

E-pao: -Please share what your future plans are.
Nilakanta: - This one I took and think very carefully. I will dedicate my life in shaping players to become professional athletes. During my journey in the career I have faced some challenges among the sub-junior, junior, and senior players. I would like to fill this kind of gap so that each of us can share everything and support one another. Therefore, I want to be an educator/facilitator/coach in the near future.

E-pao: -Nilakanta, What do you want to say to budding players?
Nilakanta: - Give your time. Do everything in the career with full dedication. Don’t demotivate yourself when you are down. Say, for example, when you are not selected for playing in state/national/international level tournaments, from that, you can only learn more and many more will come from the failure. Self-motivation is really great. Understanding the coaches is also important. Be strong physically and mentally.

E-pao: - Please highlight your participations and achievements.
Nilakanta: - My pleasure to highlight my participations and achievements here.

1. 4 Nations Invitational Tournament (Men) at Hamilton, New Zealand from 14th January to 28th January 2018. Indian Team won Silver Medal.
2. 27th Sultan of Azlan Shah Cup at Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia from 03rd March to 10th March 2018.
3. India vs Bangladesh Matches (Men) at Bengaluru, India from 29th June to 06th July 2018.
4. Test Match Series India vs South Korea at SAI Centre, Bengaluru 07th July to 19th July 2018. Indian Team won the Series.
5. Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2018 (Men) at Muscat, Oman from 18th October to 28th October 2018. Indian Team won Gold Medal.
6. Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup at Bhubaneswar, India from 28th November to 16th December 2018.
7. 28th Sultan of Azlan Shah Cup at Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia from 23rd March to 30th March 2019. Indian Team won Silver Medal.
8. Australia Tour (Sr Men) at Perth, Australia from 08th May to 17th May 2019.
9. FIH Men’s Series Finals Bhubaneswar Odisha 2019 at Bhubaneswar, India from 30th May to 16th June 2019. Indian Team won the Gold Medal.
10. Tokyo 2020 Olympics Test Event for Hockey (Sr Men) at Tokyo, Japan from 17th August to 21st August 2019. Indian Team won the Gold Medal.

11. Belgium Tour (Sr Men) at Antwerp, Belgium from 26th September to 03rd October 2019.
12. FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Odisha (Men) at Bhubaneswar, India from 01st November to 02nd November 2019. (Winners).
13. FIH Hockey Pro League 2020 – 2021 (Men) India vs Netherlands at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar on 18th January and 19th January 2020.
14. FIH Hockey Pro League 2020 – 2021 (Men) India vs Belgium at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar on 08th February 2020.
15. FIH Hockey Pro League 2020 – 2021 (Men) India vs Australia at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar on 22nd February 2020.
16. Europe Tour 2021 (Senior Men) at Krefeld, Germany & Antwerp, Belgium from 21st February to 09th March 2021.
17. Argentina Tour (Sr Men) at Argentina from 31st March to 16th April 2021.
18. FIH Hockey Pro League 2020 – 2021 (Men) Argentina vs India at Cenard, Buenos Aires on 10th April and 11th April 2021.
19. XXXII Olympic Games Tokyo (Men) in Japan from 23rd July to 08th August 2021. Indian Team won Bronze Medal.
20. FIH Hockey Pro League 2021 – 2022 (Men) India vs France at North-West University, Potchefstroom on 08th February and 12th February 2022.

21. FIH Hockey Pro League 2021 – 2022 (Men) India vs South Africa at North-West University, Potchefstroom on 09th February and 13th February 2022.
22. FIH Hockey Pro League 2021 – 2022 (Men) India vs Spain at Kalinga Hockey Stadium, Bhubaneswar on 27th February 2022.
23. FIH Hockey Pro League 2021 – 2022 (Men) India vs Argentina at Kalinga Hockey Stadium, Bhubaneswar 19th March 2022.
24. FIH Hockey Pro League 2021 – 2022 (Men) India vs England at Kalinga Hockey Stadium, Bhubaneswar on 03rd March 2022.
25. FIH Hockey Pro League 2021 – 2022 (Men) India vs Germany at Kalinga Hockey Stadium, Bhubaneswar on 14th April and 15th April 2022.
26. FIH Hockey Pro League 2021 – 2022 (Men) India vs Belgium at Sportcentrum Wilrijkse Plein-Antwerp on 11th June 2022.
27. FIH Hockey Pro League 2021 – 2022 (Men) India vs Netherlands at HC Rotterdam, Rotterdam on 18th June and 19th June 2022.
28. XXII Commonwealth Games (Men) at Birmingham, England from 29th July to 08th August 2022. Indian Team won Silver Medal.
29. FIH Hockey Pro League 2022 – 2023 (Men) India vs New Zealand at Bhubaneswar, India on 28th October 2022.
30. FIH Hockey Pro League 2022 – 2023 (Men) India vs Spain at Bhubaneswar, India on 30th October 2022.

31. India Tour of Australia, Test Matches at Adelaide, Australia from 20th November to 05th December 2022.
32. FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar-Roukela, Odisha, India from 13th January to 29th January 2023.
33. Hero Asian Champions Trophy at Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India from 03rd August to 12th August 2023. Indian Team won Gold Medal.
34. Men’s Field Hockey Asian Games 2022, Hangzhou, China from 23rd September to 08th October 2023. Indian Team won Gold Medal.

E-pao: -What will be your words to bring out more players from the state?
Nilakanta: - This is a very nice question. Please remember most of the players in our state have challenges. There may be financial problems, challenges to the quality of training, and other infrastructure. Instead of highlighting the challenges, I would like to say some words so that the authorities or other individuals can consider bringing out more players from the state.

I would like to suggest organizing more tournaments/competitions because when a player plays matches as much as he/she can at that time, only one can bring out the best of the best. At the same time, players also need to participate in such tournaments/competitions to improve their performance. During my early days, tournaments were organized frequently. I took part and I got the advantage.

This is also one of the ways to motivate players to perform well. These days, we don't see organizing frequent tournaments. Please don’t motivate or celebrate or felicitate only when they come back with the medal. It would be happier for a player if they extended support and motivated them in the journey of shaping their career.

See a full photo gallery here

 Shanglakpam Nilakanta Sharma
Photo Courtsey:- Shanglakpam Nilakanta Sharma




* Khuman conducted this interview for e-pao.net sometime in October 2023
This article was webcasted on November 09 2023.



* 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
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • Shinthoibi, Jangvei, Tamphaton : eMing
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • Solution from Buddhist & Jain perspectives
  • AI sparks employment concerns in Manipur
  • Greatest Foe :: Poem
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Kangpokpi
  • Call for Recognition of a 3rd Category of IDPs
  • Jun 18, 2001- May 3, 2023: Seed of violence
  • Contract scam in hill districts
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #5
  • Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida! : Rvw
  • Condemns the Killing of Abdul Qadir
  • COVID-19: Update 17 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Thoubal aspirant makes Manipur proud
  • Tamenglong hospital brings quality healthcare
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Mayang Imphal
  • Kuki CM & Sixth Schedule
  • Selective protests, selective silence
  • Nailing the culprits need of the hour
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Erwin Khundrakpam : NEET-UG 2025 topper
  • Will we rise to #endAIDS challenge or stumble
  • COVID-19: Update 16 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Appeal to Prime Minister: Manipur Crisis
  • Urges Action on Misinformation
  • Condolences : 2 young cabin crew
  • Grateful To Be Alive :: Poem
  • Making bonfire on the roads
  • Aggression yet again, inspite of playing victim
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #2 : Gallery
  • Zomia, geopolitics, & the struggle for unity
  • COVID-19: Update 15 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Condolences : Demise of 2 Manipuri Girls
  • Manipur unites in grief after Air India tragedy
  • Hail arms recovery as step toward peace
  • Cleanliness Drive at JNIMS Campus
  • Global Wind Day for a clean environment
  • First came the rain, then the heat
  • Rise in Covid-19 cases
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • Meetei diaspora in UK runs for Myanmar victim
  • Manipur empower children with disabilities
  • COVID-19: Update 14 June 2025 : Manipur
  • World Blood Donor Day 2025
  • The Power of Poppy - 85 :: Poem
  • A Northeast Gin Makes Its Mark
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Saluting Nganthoi, Lamnunthem : Joining hand
  • Condolence : Nganthoi & Lamnunthem
  • From Earth Day to World Environment Day
  • COVID-19: Update 13 June 2025 : Manipur
  • JJM brings clean drinking water to CCpur
  • M.Tech CSE Admission at Assam University
  • Save your nails from damage this summer
  • No takers for Moreh cops' distress call
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Implement Hill Areas (Chief Rights) Act 1967
  • Manipur fields shape India sport future
  • How to Speak Soft and Still Win
  • Thokchom Khoiba : mosquito killer machine
  • Looking for wealthy groom, question you too
  • When is the net ban going to be lifted
  • Stir speculations nix school reopening plan
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #4
  • Namphake Monastery @ Dibrugarh : Gallery
  • Fire safety: preventive measures
  • Peculiar plants & incidents unique to Manipur
  • Artificial Intelligence & environment
  • Cutting off the nose to spite the face
  • Relief for daily wagers as shutdown called off
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • The question of territorial integrity of Manipur
  • Animal Farm's allegory in dynamics of Manipur
  • Their hands deserve books, not burdens
  • JNV empowers Tamenglong students
  • We can do better- people with HIV live healthy
  • Bandh: The Cry Beneath the Silence :: Poem
  • Cutting short 240 hours general strike
  • Shutdown lifted, curfew eased, mobile ban
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Review of 'Rain Stopping in Manipur'
  • Highway blockades trigger soaring prices
  • Voice of the Masses :: Poem
  • Congress may claim if none
  • Learning new skills related to AI
  • Delhi, Raj Bhavan: Losing the plot ?
  • CBI arrest after Governor clemency assurance
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • Appeals Home Minister not to renew SoO
  • Self-defence :: Poem
  • When will humans learn nature's lessons ?
  • Forgotten voices of drug users in Manipur
  • High-yielding RC Manichakhao-1
  • PC Editorial Blank Space : June 09 2025
  • TSE Editorial Blank Space : June 09 2025
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • 27th Meira Paibi Numit : Gallery
  • Micromanager vs Leader
  • Valedictory Function of NE NSS Festival
  • WED at various campuses in Manipur
  • World Environment Day 2025
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #1 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • Sarangthem Nirupama at Miss Universe India
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 1 : Ooba Video
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025