Wangkhem Gouro: "A successful player is a model to all"

Seram Neken *

Game spirit has been inherent in the Manipuris since the very beginning. Innumerable number of sportspersons in the pre-statehood years in Manipur is the ample proof that investment in sports sector will never go futile in this state. 'ON THE GOLDEN FOOTPRINTS' reproduces here the sports profile of veteran player W. Gouro from Ratneshwori Goswami's Akao Parei Chankhrabasing published in the Huieyen Lanpao (Manipuri).

"Physical exercise is the best doctor and proper diet with fresh vegetables is the medicine. In order to defend ourselves from diseases, we must go to bed early, wake up early, eat nutritious food and do regular physical exercise." The 80 year old Wangkhem Gouro still remembers these sacred words often uttered by the late Oja Sagolsem Indramani from whom he acquired guidance on the skills of athletics (long race).

One time player W. Gouro was born in 1934 to Shri Wangkhem Gouramani and Wangkhem Ongbi Irai Devi of Khongman Mangjil Imphal. From the very beginning, he had keen interest in games such as Hockey, Football and Athletics. In the long run competitions, Gouro could grasp various prizes during his school and college life.

In an interview, the octogenarian recollected that he used to practice Hockey and Football at Assam Rifles ground and Manipur Rifles ground in the 1950s. He stated, "On being hired by Thongam Brajabidhu, we had the occasion to play at the Small ground near Kwakeithel Bazar.

After a brief schooling at Churachand School, he was admitted to the erstwhile Manipur Public School which was later named as Raja Dumbra School from 1965. Gouro recounted, "Oja Kullajit, Oja Kullabidhu, Oja Laishram Joychandra, Oja Ahanthem Brajamani, Thangjam Modhu, Ch. Opendro etc. were the teachers of the erstwhile Public school established in 1951." His sporting career began from the school, where he embraced athletics (one Mile, three miles and six miles race).

In the Manipur Olympic Games of 1952, W. Gouro held second position in one mile race. Again in 1954, he retained third position in the same event. As there were no trained coaches, he had to learn the skills of long race from seniors such as Sagolsem Indramani. According to Gouro, some of his contemporary sportspersons were S. Lokeshwar from Nagamapal, Mr. Maipak, Okram Brajabihari from Khongman Zone-IV and Takhelchangbam Manisana from Khongman Mangjil.

After passing matriculation in 1956, he joined the DM College where he continued his sports career by participating in various inter college events. In 1956, he represented DM College in the Inter College sports held in Assam and won third position in six miles race. Even though he did not have the knowledge of game rules, his strong enthusiasm drove him to pursue sports ceaselessly.

Appeared BA examination in 1960, Gouro entered service as teacher at Wangjing High School, where he associated with the late RK Maipaksana who was the headmaster of the school. Commenting on the personality of RK Maipaksana, Gouro recalled "Sanakhya Maipaksana always said that as a teacher we must nurture students for all round development besides imparting lessons".

Retired from service in 1999 as Head Master of Eastern Ideal Girls school, 80 year old Gouro is still seen walking on the streets upto Kangla Gate early morning. His age never fades his love of sports, as the veteran player is taking keen interest in tuning to sports news in various media. He always wanted to lay stress on the food habits of today's sportspersons in order to have a successful sports career.

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