Ng. Ibomcha : Sprinter, Boxer and Football Player of 1950s and 1960s

Seram Neken *

The story of sports development in Manipur is replete with successes and failures of all kinds as a number of sportspersons had to endure and feel the hardships. 'ON THE GOLDEN FOOTPRINTS' reproduces here the sports profile of veteran player Ng. Ibomcha from Ratneshwori Goswami's Akao Parei Chankhrabasing published in the Huieyen Lanpao (Manipuri).

"In the 1958 National School Games held in Delhi, I participated in the Sprint events along with Elangbam Sakhi. We took part in 100 meter, 200 meter and 400 meter race. It was my first visit outside Manipur. We could reach upto semi-finals, but to no avail as the sprinters from other states were well trained and equipped with necessary kits."

This was stated by Ng. Ibomcha from Tera Khuraijam Leirak in an interview. Adding that they also had a chance to meet Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, the veteran Sprinter in his late 70s said that he for the first time had a taste of coffee during that visit. In 1959, he was part of state team to Bombay where he could not access beyond semi-finals.

As an all rounder player, he played Football in right-back position. Initially a player of TRAU, Ibomcha later joined MBBSU of Wahengbam Leikai and the Imphal Sporting Club.

In 1966, he was in the Imphal Sporting Club which became the winner of CC Meet and Yaishkul Athletics Club took the runners up title. Ibomcha recounted that the final match was won with the solitary goal scored by W. Mathang. When he was also a player of Yaiskul Athletics Club for a certain period, Ibomcha took part in the football tournament held at Karimganj in Assam. His football career continued upto around 1970.

Remembering his days in Boxing during 1958-59, Ibomcha narrated, "We used to practice Boxing at the old Mandav of Eigya Pishak at Uripok by making a Boxing Ring. By then, the arrangements for Boxing were done by late Eigya Sunil, late Kunjaraj from Kongpal, Baosingh from Keishamthong, Maisnam Achou from Meino Leirak etc."

Bantamweight Boxer Ibomcha recollected his contenders as Ksh. Mohori Singh from Singjamei Kshetri Leikai, another from Haobam Marak and another from Manipur Police. In the fight with Manipur Police Boxer, he turned out as champion.

Narrating the episode of "Baosinggi Oina", Ibomcha said Baosing from Keishamthong was a popular Boxer during his days. In 1960-61, three Boxers from Calcutta including Ganguly and Banerjee came to Manipur. In the ring, Ganguly bouted Bousingh on his left arm during the first face-off.

The spectators who could not even anticipate the fall of Baosing awaited the moment when Baosing regained energy and fought back. However, it never happened and the episode has been well known as "Baosinggi Oina" till date.

Ng. Ibomcha who was a student of Churachand School appeared matriculation examination in 1957, but could pass it only in 1960. He could not pay due attention to studies while indulging in games.

He served in the Forest Department as Forest Guard for a brief period and later worked as a work charge Mohori in PWD. After his service was regularized in 1976, he was promoted to M.O grade by 1978 and Ibomcha got retirement in September, 2000.

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