Manipuri's unique and exemplary love of sports

Samarjit Kambam *

Felicitation of CWG 2014, Glasgow medalist, participants and officials from Manipur :: 12 August 2014 :: Pix - Deepak Oinam

Manipur is a land that gave Polo to the world. It is also a land that have its own unique indigenous sports such as Mukna, a kind of wrestling and Yobi Lakpi a game somewhat similar to Rugby. No doubt, the Manipuris love sports since the time Manipur was a princely and independent state. Love for games and sports ran high in the blood of our forefathers and has transcended down the generational ladder. Manipur has gifted many famous sportspersons to India in different categories in the arena of sports. Pugilist Mary Kom is an international figure and a national phenomenon. She is at the tip of everybody's tongue.

Even a bollywood movie has been made about her with Priyanka Chopra the big shot bollywood actress playing her role and is expected by people of the North-East that the movie will roll out as a box office blaster. The splendid performance of Manipuri sportspersons in the recently concluded Commonwealth games at Glasgow thereby bringing pride and glory not only to Manipur but bringing up the name of India in front of other nations of the world may be cited as a concrete example that Manipur though a small remote state in one of the cornermost region of Northeast region of India is a sports powerhouse.

The contribution by Manipur in sports exceeds other big states of India when it comes to the ratio of population. Say, the population of a big district of a big state of India such as Uttar Pradesh or Madhya Pradesh exceeds far more than the population of the whole of Manipur. At the grand reception and felicitation ceremony held at Khuman Lampak Sports Stadium of the sports team who took part in the Commonwealth Games, the Governor of Manipur VK Duggal was absolutely right when he stated that Manipur has a club culture in sports like in other developed countries which acts as a catalyst in rapid upsurge of sports movement in Manipur.

Mention may also be made of sports festivals held by various clubs, organisations and NGOs during Yaosang festival every year throughout the length and breadth of the valley areas of Manipur thereby inculcating to the young minds of the kids a liking for games and sports. Thanks to the NDA government for its noble gesture by including in the recent budget announcement for setting up a Sports University in Manipur for the NDA government has acknowledged and recognised that Manipur is a sports powerhouse and, therefore, making Manipur one of the sports-hub of India - an innovative and bold initiative will have multifaceted positive outcomes in the near future in the world of sports thereby bringing pride and glory to India in big international sports events.

But one sad scenario prevailing here is that there are many sports loving talented youngsters in Manipur but are unable to meet the expenses viz sports gears, fees and dietary charges. Besides, corruption, nepotism and favouritism are the main factors where many talented sportspersons with meagre monetary resources and low leverage are strewn behind. If this trend is scuttled, the contribution by Manipur in Indian sports will be even greater.

As many talented sportspersons are from families of poor background, the funds granted for sportspersons by the government should reach the poorest of the poor. Sports should act as an entity to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. It should not be restricted only to a section of opulent class of people. A system also needs to be introduced where the relevant sports authorities handpick talented ones from a very tender age from every nook and corner of the state and induct them at sports schools by giving them special privileges, scholarships, stipends and the likes.

The best practical way for Manipur to become a harbinger in the world of sports is that the families of the sportspersons should not bear the financial burden nor should the sportspersons' minds be distracted towards the hardships of their families. The government and sports authorities should ensure that this hurdle in the path is sorted out which is the main bottleneck in the growth of sports. Only then we can witness the unprecedented growth in sporting in Manipur. The government should also ensure that total transparency is maintained by the sports governing bodies in Manipur.

It is a very welcome development that people of Khoutruk, Senjam Khunou and Senjam Chirang heartily embraced the decision of the NDA government for setting up a sports university in Manipur and have decided to offer whatever acres of land required for the university to the Government without any condition. This is the first time in the history of Manipur where the people of some particular regions don't make a hue and cry over the issue of sacrificing land for construction of infrastructural works for development of a particular project.

I doubt that if it were for some other projects, the denizens of the region would have opposed tooth and nail. But when it comes down to sports, their minds suddenly broadened and voluntarily decided to offer the required lands for development of sports university to the government. It has already been declared by Koutruk, Senjam Khunou and Senjam Chirang Development Organisation(KSSDO) that an area larger than 200 acres required for the sports university would be donated without any condition or compensation.

That shows the spirit, compassion, the true love and the deep attachment of sports with the Manipuris. Fortunately, the area marked for the proposed sports university is on a hill slope and it does not encroach upon any agricultural land. In fact, it's a win-win situation for the people as well as the government. So far non of the villagers raised any objection and the area is just 17 kms away from Imphal which is the perfect spot for the sports university. As per the prevailing scenario, there would be no shortage of water and the state government need not give any compensation for the proposed spot.

The area which is surrounded by Sahirok river on the North, Kharam Tampak on the South, paddy fields of Koutruk, Senjam Khunou and Senjam Chiran on the East and Chirang gorge on the West gives the perfect ambience for a pollution free scenic spot which will blend well with the sportspersons of the university. It is high time for the leaders, relevant state government officials and Youth Affairs and Sports Minister to do the needful for rapid development of infrastructure of the university within a sport time-frame.

It will also give direct and well as indirect employment to the people in the vicinity by way of opening up of markets, shops, pharmacies, hotels, private transportations etc. The government also needs to show at least some gratitude by giving employment after completion of the sports university to the educated youths of the region. I appeal to the special contractors who are about to carry out the construction works to take their lion's share but build the sports varsity with quality control so that some portions of the infrastructure do not collapse on the inauguration day.

With a sports university in Manipur, the state is sure to produce many world class sportspersons in the near future. I wholeheartedly extend my sincerest thanks to KSSDO and the denizens of Koutruk, Senjam Khunou and Senjam Chirang for their exemplary selfless sacrifice reflecting their unbounded love of sports.