My Memories of Imphal From 1941 : Chapter 12 :: Download

Dr Mohendra Irengbam *

Meitei hockey players who came to see me at my Medical College in Agra in 1962, while visiting the Taj Mahal.
(L-R) standing. 1st Late Waikhom Damodar, 3rd Late Ngairangbam Jugindro, 5th Achoubi,Last author (Final year).
Seated from (L) 3rd Late Yellangbam Ibohal.

Part 12
Indigenous Meitei Sports

Manipuris are also known for their loyalty to their mother ‘country’ of Manipur - Ima leibak manipur. Competetiveness in sports had also instigated Meiteis in their capacitity for for bone-marrow recklessness rather than remaining shapeless , spineless creatures hiding under their family like a slug beneath a stone.

The love of their homeland is a virtue which is embodied in this classic patriotic song that I would like to invoke, as the forerunner of the indigenous games of manipur that is the theme of this chapter.

I heard the song only once at a function at Tamphasana Girls’ High School when Pandit Nehru came to imphal in 1953. Haobam Ibechaobi Devi, who grew up with me in my neighbourhood, sang it in her lilting and euphonous voice, that matched her captivating beauty (cf. Book 197 The Origin of Meiteis, 2009, p130 by the Author).

Phajeida Ima meitei Leima,
maigei salai Khudingda nacha chanbi oibnana meerak tilhoudrabi imani;
Ashangba mani chingna thalliba,
lupagi tara malaba turelna koina cheelibasibu karamba leipakta leirigaba?

Translated in English: What a beauty you are, Meitei Princess! Because of your love and concern for your children you sacrificed your social life everywhere. You are bulging at the seams with green gem-like hills and full with overflowing silver wire-like rivers. Could there be another country like you?

Our national pride was the source of our national identity. It corelated with great ethnic, civic pride and the core of our national games. National pride had strong positive relationship between feeling good about ourselves and the desire to defend our Manipur. It led to a spontaneous effort to excell in sports.

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