Chinglensana: affable rookie in the national Hockey team to carry forward the legacy

Gyanendro Ningombam *

A play during Dr Kanti Mukherjee Memorial Invitation Hockey Tournament 2010 on 03 December 2010

Not so very long ago hockey in Manipur was something prestigious and precious. Every Youngster in his teens wanted to be a Nilakomol or Thoiba (both olympian). Today it has become a neglected pastime.

Its decadence and fall from grace due to non inclusion of Manipur players in the Indian squad has been precipitous. It is, in fact, no longer the darling of spectators, but a despair for those who know its rich past.

But-while a sagacious solution over the decline of this lovely game has even been beyond the grasp of our sports pundits, the inclusion of K Chinglcnsana in Indian hockey squad announced by Hockey India has opened a new chapter or era of hockey in the state starts.

The tragedy times turns to Triumphs era. The inclusion of Chinglen in the Indian squad will be the first and foremost example for speeding up full stamina of state players and also in rejuvenating the organisers for straightening their effort in development works.

And for Hockey fans here, after a lapse of 16 odd years it is celebration time once again as a player from the state is in the Indian squad. It is heartening to note that Chinglensana who clinched national squad in his second attempt has made it to Johannesburg (South Africa) for the Champion Challenge Cup title from Nov. 26 to December 4.

Chinglensana is from Bashikhong, Imphal East born to K. .laneshwor and Bhabini Devi.

Sadly, I haven't seen as much of him as I would have liked to but everytime he had played in junior grade level {Domestic and International Competition) he proved in no certain terms that he is a player of class.

To me, as a fan and a lover of sport or a critic, Chinglensana stands for pride. But he needs to understand in synthetic surfaces players need move stamina, speed and strength, and which our present day youth, woefully, cannot muster. New tactics arc required for deep penetration into an opponet's half. For mastering game on exotic surface, requires strength and very strong arm and foot work.

The following points be noted as suggestion and approch :-

The pursuit of excellence and quest for victory in hockey intensely competitive frame work should dominate your thinking, self improvement should be the constant endeavour and should be prepared for sacrifice.
To achieve total fitness, dedication and motivation.

Hockey should not be used to acquire notoriety, prestige and influence, Time has come to set your own benchmark.

Best of Luck.