Recalling my train journey from Guwahati to Dimapur during the season of Beijing Olympics 2008, I overheard co-passengers conversations saying that only the athletes of Manipur state remain in the Olympic game after elimination of all other Indian athletes. These lines still echoes in my mind to this day and now soon after the news of eight of our Manipuri Brothers earning a selection to play in under- 17 India World cup team, my minds have wandering thinking of the wonders our neighboring Manipur state have created from time to time. Ranging from the diverse field and subject of ethnic politics of Manipur along with its rich history, preservation of its art and culture, excellence in educations, music, Manipuri Diasporas and most exciting subject of games and sports, particularly football, Manipur state have never face famine of breaking news to tell the world and this time the presence of eight youngsters in under-17 Fifa world cup have been the greatest news for me and I believe all of India feel the same. The small Manipur State of India have earn the biggest responsibility of shouldering giant India again when India Under-17 world cup team kick off their group match on 6th Oct. India historic moment as a result of its first entry in FIFA World Cup Championship on grounds of automatic qualification of being the host country yet the presence of eight footballers from Northeast (Manipur) has added extra super excitement and reason to celebrate while taking another giant leap in the history of Indian football.
From football icon Renedy Singh to superstar boxer Mary Kom, Anti- AFSPA activist Iron lady Irom Sharmila to Human Right Activist Binalaksmi Nepram not forgetting its own State Chief Minister his Excellency N. Biren Singh (former National Footballer) and several other excellent individuals from various disciplines who has created their mark in contemporary Indian history, I pray the journey of these eight youngster from humble family background will reach greater height and in the process leading the millions youths of the country by their success stories.
The accomplishment of these eight youngsters should be an eye opener for all northeastern states to starts building healthy relationships among the states by solving all the complex political matters to facilitate the developments of all the youths of the backward Northeastern states. Where, games and sports have lots to offer to fully develop young population instead of using them in destructive propagandas. Being a football lover I envision our own Northeast super league where top football clubs from each states competes, Northeast have everything say talents, populations, money but how ironic when we don’t realize the potentialities and flocked to metros as our last resort instead of developing our respective states bit by bit for which respective states government have to think twice from now on.
In addition to all the things said, other northeastern states must study, learn and adopt Manipur model to produce more productive youths. Best example; the selection of the eight Manipuri youngsters. After all who can earn selection to play in Fifa world cup if not the best of the best footballers?
God bless the eight Northeast youngsters.
