TODAY -
State's Asian Games hockey stars return to warm reception
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 11 2023:
19th Asian Games hockey gold medallist Shanglakpam Nilakanta Sharma, and bronze medallists Pukhrambam Sushila Chanu and Kharibam Bichu Devi were accorded a warm reception today upon their arrival at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport.
Functionaries of Manipur Hockey, family members, friends and hockey fans greeted and garlanded the athletes who shone at the continental showpiece which concluded on October 8 .
"We went for the gold medal, but we won a bronze," said Sushila Chanu, who scored a goal for the Indian women's hockey team.
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"We tried our best for the gold medal but we couldn't get the result we desired.
However, we take motivation from this to work harder because victory and failure are part of the game," added Indian team goalkeeper Bichu Devi.
Talking about the ongoing unrest in her home state for the last five months, Sushila said that the team was camping in Bangalore preparing for the Asian Games when the conflict started in May.
"When the crisis started in Manipur, we were preparing for the Asian Games and we couldn't do much for the state.
But now we come back with medals and hope to help in restoring peace in the state," said Shushila.
Nilakanta, who was part of the Indian men's hockey team which won the gold medal at the Asian Games, got emotional not because of the overwhelming homecoming reception but because of the ongoing crisis in the state.
"When we got the Olympic medal, we came back proudly as the sons of Manipur.
But it is not the same feeling this time despite winning the gold medal because my state is burning and I am not in a mood to celebrate," said Nilakanta, the Indian field hockey player.
He also said that the historic performance at the Asian Games by the Indian men's hockey team was not attributed to an individual's contribution but because of the 'team's effort' .
(With Ukhrul Times input) .
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