Ningthoujam Brajamani : 'Players contributed one paisa each to buy a ball costing 125 paise'

Seram Neken *

ON THE GOLDEN FOOTPRINTS' reproduces here the sports profile of veteran football player N. Brajamani from Ratneshwori Goswami's Akao Parei Chankhrabasing published in the Hueiyen Lanpao (Manipuri).

Son of Ningthoujam Dr. Leiren and Selungbi Devi of Wahengbam Leikai Imphal, N. Brajamani grew up as a player right from the childhood. During his schooldays at CC School at the age of 14/15 years, he became a player of various games - Football, Hockey, Tennis etc.

Veteran player Brajamani who personally witnessed Maharaj Churachand playing Football and Hockey in the field narrated that Churachand Maharaj was the true pioneer of sports movement in Manipur. The king used to purchase sports equipment and distributed them to interested players. There was once a big play field to the south of palace (Sana Konung) nurtured by the royal family. Manipuri players of today can excel at the international arena because of the efforts made by Churachand Maharaj many years back.

During his childhood, the players could not use the Imphal Pologround easily as it was under British Rule. "During our time, the price of a football was 125 paise (Five Sikis). we could hardly afford it. Interested players purchased it by contributing one paisa each in around two months", the 93 year old player narrated in an interview. He added that the players of his time were barefooted. By the year 1943/33, his first boot costed one rupee, which was then a big amount.

Brajamani who played in right out and half positions, for the first time participated in the All Assam Inter District Football Tournament in 1947. His team included Sougaijam Dhiren, Sangam, Phareng, Yangkhahao, AK Manihar, Mangjakai, Songjilin, Yangmaso Seiza etc. In the Nagaon Independence Cup in 1952, Manipur team won the trophy. In the tournament, Brajamani was accompanied by players - Sougaijam Dhiren, Phareng tangkhul, Aboi, Zed Romeo, Baorei, Sangam, Lungshim Seiza, Mangjakai etc.

According to Brajamani, Sougaijam Biren was a cool and noble player always liked by others. Ayekpam Biramangol, who was his contemporary, was also a good and hardworking person. Phareng Tangkhul did not wear shoes for a long time. Sangam, Baorei, Mangjakai etc. were good players of his time. In the early period, sports teams were composed of all communities- Tangkhul Kabui, Kuki etc. In his opinion, Brajamani stated that there was no room for cheating in sports and the basic quality of a player was sincerity and fraternalism.

The veteran player was in the field from 1944/45 to 1953. He was involved in the training of footballers at various clubs of Manipur. After passing the matriculation, he went for the NIS training for football coach at Patiala. In the interview, Brajamani could not recollect most of his past sports career because of old age. In spite of his old age, Brajamani has been living without any major ailment. He credited his well being to sports. At present, he is enjoying a pension of rupees nine thousand from the sports department.

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