Ignored but still gritty - Go and make history in London -
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: July 18, 2012 -

The year 2012 marks an important milestone in the history of Games and sports of the state with five of state players qualified for the Games.

This is the highest number of qualified players from state ever since India became a part of Olympic Games.

Adding more to the enthusiasm of the people of the state, regardless of whether they love sports or not, is the inclusion of Women Boxing in the Olympic Games and the qualifying of five times world Champion boxer MC Mary Kom, who is a medal contender of the country.

After the inclusion of Women Boxing in the Games, Mary Kom is getting her first chance to prove her domination in the world of boxing in the London Olympic.

Besides Mary Kom, Manipur has indeed a strong squad for the London Olympics comprising Archer Laishram Bombayla, boxer Laishram Devendro, Weightlifter Ngangbam Soniya and hockey player Kothajit.

Laishram Bombayla, who is participating in the Olympic Games twice consecutively, is also a medal contender of India.

Then there is Laishram Devendro who too has high chances for fetching a medal although he does not have any medal at international level so far.

In Weightlifting, Ngangbam Soniya, after winning many gold and silver medals in Asian and Commonwealth Games, is one of the best gold medals bet for Indian contingent.

In team event, Kothajit is participating as a midfielder. Though it takes coordinated team work in any team event, India is hoping to win a medal in the Games in Hockey as well.

Despite being the fortunate ones to qualify for the London Olympics, the five state Olympians have also been the most unfortunate ones who are being ignored by government and haunted by the present situation in the society.

It is apparent that government of other states are encouraging their Olympians with warm wishes and cash assistance for preparation of the Games. Not every state gets the chance of their players becoming part of the Indian Contingent.

However, in Manipur, the government simply ignores them like they never exist on the surface of the earth or as if they are not Manipuris from Manipur.

At every possible public function, Ministers and officials keep harping that they care much for the players and they are ready to help them in every possible way.

But today, all those assurances and promises have vanished into the thin air. No one is even coming with put with warm wishes to the state Olympians let alone cash assistance.

Even though they cannot provide cash assistance, at least they could have sent each of them a message of warm wishes to encourage them to do their best in the Games and bring laurels to the country in general and the state in particular. The 2nd session of 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly concluded recently.

During the whole fortnight, not a single MLA or Minister thought it proper to appeal the House for wishing good lucks and warm wishes to the five Olympians of the state.

In sports, assuring cash incentives to the medal winners will not do the magic but a simple and sincere word of wishes can bring the midas touch to the performances of the players.

Some players from the state even have reached London for the Games.

Even though the government ignored them, they are getting ready for the action with high spirit and hopes for medals in the Games, displaying the true quality of sportsmanship. With only 10 days left, we wish all the five from the state best of luck. Hope this simple but true word of wishes gives them strength to face the hurdles in the path of victory and bring laurels to the state.

So, go and make history in London. People are waiting to see your jubilant faces with medals around your necks.