Forgotten Legend: Aleng Shimrah
Ukhrul was once a powerhouse of Manipur football-III
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Ratneshwori Goshwami/Maisnam Bomcha
Imphal, April 02 2013:
After briefly dwelling on the simple nature of sports persons, Shree Shimrah went on to relate a proud occasion which took place in 1960.That year theManipur Team which won the All India National School Games, held in Agartala, of which he was the Captain, was given a grand reception at the Koirengei Airport under the supervision of Shree Thangjam Modhu.
He was given instructions in advance that as the Captain of the team, he was to de-board the plane, carrying the Winner's Trophy and wearing the team uniform of black shorts and red shirt.
He recalled how a near mix-up took place when he, on request, handed over the trophy to Shree Tondon of Uripok who he fondly described as a toughie, a good player and a close friend.
Timely intervention of Shree Modhu saved the occasion and he added how proud he felt when he descended from the plane carrying the trophy to the rapturous applause of the waiting crowd.
Manipur won the next edition of the championship held in Bombay.
While praising Shree Modhu for yet another deed, he related a touching story.
Shree Modhu was instrumental in the then Chief Commissioner of Manipur Shree G M Raina distributing medals of real gold and a blazer to all the 16 members of the championship winning Manipur team.
He still keeps the medal with the name of the wife of the Chief Commissioner embossed on it.
He went on to say that with his sporting background, his material means were limited.
His wife had once expressed a wish for a gold chain bigger than the thin and the only one she owned.
When she asked for the gold medal, as it was the only means available to the family, he relented.
Together they went to Shree Mouro of Kangabam Leikai to add the gold of the medal to the chain of his wife.
Arriving there and when asked of the purpose of the visit, he produced the gold medal and his intent was expressed.
Shree Mouro, after examining the medal carefully refused to melt the medal.
On being asked, he identified himself and told Shree Mouro about the origin of the medal.
He was reminded that it was not only a gift but was also pointed out about the value of the medals as a reminder of his playing days.
The idea was thus dropped and the medal is still under the tender care of Shreemati Shimrah.
He further narrated an episode in 1965 which he mentioned as shocking.
He along with Tondon was on the verge of being selected in the Indian team for the Asian Youth Soccer tournament held in Tokyo.
It was in utter disbelief to all that himself, Tondon and a few players from Assam were dropped in the last moment and Nayeemuddin, Askok Chatterjee, Kanhai Sarkar and Kajal Mukherjee were included in their place.
He added that he was a very fit and perhaps the best left half in all of Assam in those days.
He added that his forte was conserving energy in the first half and going all out in the second.
He proudly went on to say that getting some applause from the spectators made him untiring to essay those quick passes which were converted into goals.
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