Akoijam Tarakishore : "Sports promotion requires persons with sporting spirit"

Seram Neken *

Sport has all the beauties which can be applied to a meaningful life. Akoijam Tarakishore, a true worshipper of sports always considers sports as life. 'ON THE GOLDEN FOOTPRINTS' reproduces here the sports profile of veteran player AK Tarakishore from Ratneshwori Goswami's Akao Parei Chankhrabasing published in the Hueiyen Lanpao (Manipuri).

First son of Akoijam Mani and RK Sanatombi Devi, AK Binodkumar (Tarakishore) was born in 1935 at Kwakeithel Nganapithong Imphal in a family of sports. Grandfather AK Toyaima had been a popular player of various games such as Cricket, Football, Tennis and Shot Put during the time of Churachand Maharaj. As narrated by Tarakishore in his later 70s, his grandfather was a player in Maharaj Team instituted by Churachand Maharaj.

In an interview, the veteran player said, "I entered into sports during my schooldays in Churachand School, when I was studying in class VII". AK Tarakishore who initially began to play Hurdles and Race, later embraced Volleyball and Football also. When he was in class IX, he for the first time got individual champions in Athletics along with Thangjam Iboyaima, the younger brother of Thangjam Modhu.

Next time, he earned the individual champions along with Oja Lokeshwar. On the third occasion, Tarakishore grasped champions in Jump and Hurdles, while Oja Maipak turned out champions in Throw. He recalled, "There was time I along with Oja Maipak, Oja Lokeshore and Iboyaima got the champions title together".

While studying in DM College, he joined in Inter College sports meet held in Guwahati and received 5/6 Gold Medals. He also went to Pune for All India Inter University Meet representing Guwahati University along with Kunjabihari (brother-in-law), Lokeshwar and Guni. Tarakishore had played under Guwahati University for around four years.

"Next to Athletics, the game which I liked most was Volleyball", the veteran player said, adding that they used to play Volleyball at far-off places of Manipur. As per his accounts, the popular venues of Volleyball matches were Konjeng Leikai ground, Malom Volleyball ground, Bishnupur (Toubul) ground, Potsangbam Makha ground, Moirang, Wangoo Khunjao, Kumbi ground, Model Club Chingamakha, Heirangoithong ground, Lourembam Leikai, Uripok Khaidem leikai ground, Lalambung Makhong ground, Kongba Soudongbung Lampak, Nongmeibung Nambam Chuthek etc.

"We had to face inconveniences due to lack of trained coach" he added. Tarakishore often bought sports magazines from outside the state and learnt the techniques of Athletics and other games by reading them. 'Sports and Pass Time' was a good journal in this regard.

Joining in the Sports training in Gwalior in 1962, Tarakishore equipped himself with knowledge and skills of various games. There were 11 subjects, 9 subjects and 8 subjects in the first, second and third years respectively. He recounted, "In the theory section, human anatomy was discussed very categorically. Which body structure was suitable for which games, was taught very clearly."

During his youthful days, he used to practice High Jump, Hurdles, Hop Step Jump etc. at the small ground which he himself prepared in front of his house. His parents encouraged him very much in pursuing games and sports. His father who also pursued various games like Tennis, Cricket and Shot Put introduced him the erstwhile beautiful Tennis Court located at the palace. His uncle AK Manihar was also a known all rounder player.

He participated in the First All Assam Inter District Volleyball tournament in 1957 in Nagaon, where Manipur team got the champion. Players of Manipur team during the tournament were Tarakishore, L. Ibotombi, L. Manao, S. Indramani Sharma, M. Rojen, M. Gouro etc. They also joined the Assam team and often participated in national championships.

In Volleyball, Manipur turned out Champions in Assam Inter District championships in 1964 (at Nalbari), 1965 (in Manipur), 1966 (Barpeta), 1967 (Naharkatia), 1968 (Jorhat), 1970 (Barpeta), 1971 (Nalbari) and 1973 (Imphal). After direct affiliation of Manipur with the Volleyball Federation of India, the first participation of Manipur team in national championship was in 1974. Tarakishore also played various events including Volleyball, Football, Hockey, Badminton, table Tennis and Athletics under Imphal Sporting Club.

The 79 year old athlete expressed concern over the chaos prevailing in almost all sports associations of today. He observed, "we need to work with sacrifice, if we have to promote sports". He vehemently criticized the entry of non-sports persons into sports associations to occupy managerial berths. He reiterated, "Politicians should remain in politics, teachers should remain in teaching and contractors in their contract works. Sports should not be spoiled with the entry of people who do not have sporting spirit".

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