•-As I read the sports page of the Sangai Express (a local daily in Manipur) these days, the medal tally of the present National Games is being updated regularly. My head hangs in shame as I search for the medal position of Nagaland comparing to the position of Manipur. One hundred and one questions keep propping up my mind whenever I see how ingloriously the state of Nagaland lies at the bottom of the medal tally. My questions have been enlightened today when I read an article in your esteemed paper entitled, ‘An academy or a cowshed?’ Thank you for letting us know the attitude of our leaders and government towards sports. Big words and hollow action is indeed a legacy they will be leaving behind. Under such exemplary leadership the present predicament in the national sports arena is not surprising. As a Naga from Manipur I always had this comforting solace that my brethren in Nagaland will do well though we are not given equal opportunity to shine and showcase our talents here in Manipur for reasons obvious to all sane thinking people. But my thoughts were suppose to be a self deception. And my heart cries out why?
Is it because we don’t have enough money to build up proper infrastructure? I don’t think that is the valid reason. We have lots of money for road shows and purchase of latest models of vehicles and construction of many castle like houses. Is it because the Nagas are inferior in their sporting skills as compared to the neighbours? I am tempted to say ‘YES’ to ignite anger amongst the youths of Nagaland but in reality we are not inferior, one bit, as far as our unexplored potential is concerned. Is it then because of the youth’s attitude towards sports? Do we Nagas take sports as a profession or a hobby? Are the parents supportive of their wards and view this field as glorious as the academic field? This view is yet to be answered though. Is it then because of the social unrest? I don’t think so because with as many as 30 (and still counting) UG groups in Manipur (Newspaper Report) they are able to do so very well. And we are proud of their achievements. We may not be able to enjoy the privileges of being a citizen of Manipur in sports arena but we applaud them when they do so very well. How we want to cheer and see Naga youths doing well in the national field so that we may boast and be proud of them. But it may continue to be a wistful dream to hope Nagaland doing well and this journey of shame and disgrace may continue for a long time. But I am happy that my deep angst found a cathartic release through your esteemed paper. May I end with a short poem dedicated to those people in authority who have made an academy into a cowshed:
Sleep on, Sleep on
Tis too early for you to wake up,
Your pocket and greed beckon thee,
For self, thou were elected
Why should Nagaland’s pride bother thee?
Wake, if you must
When the walls down and ruined,
When we’ve reached the point,
That point of no redemption,
When Nagaland’s pride becomes history!
Is it because we don’t have enough money to build up proper infrastructure? I don’t think that is the valid reason. We have lots of money for road shows and purchase of latest models of vehicles and construction of many castle like houses. Is it because the Nagas are inferior in their sporting skills as compared to the neighbours? I am tempted to say ‘YES’ to ignite anger amongst the youths of Nagaland but in reality we are not inferior, one bit, as far as our unexplored potential is concerned. Is it then because of the youth’s attitude towards sports? Do we Nagas take sports as a profession or a hobby? Are the parents supportive of their wards and view this field as glorious as the academic field? This view is yet to be answered though. Is it then because of the social unrest? I don’t think so because with as many as 30 (and still counting) UG groups in Manipur (Newspaper Report) they are able to do so very well. And we are proud of their achievements. We may not be able to enjoy the privileges of being a citizen of Manipur in sports arena but we applaud them when they do so very well. How we want to cheer and see Naga youths doing well in the national field so that we may boast and be proud of them. But it may continue to be a wistful dream to hope Nagaland doing well and this journey of shame and disgrace may continue for a long time. But I am happy that my deep angst found a cathartic release through your esteemed paper. May I end with a short poem dedicated to those people in authority who have made an academy into a cowshed:
Sleep on, Sleep on
Tis too early for you to wake up,
Your pocket and greed beckon thee,
For self, thou were elected
Why should Nagaland’s pride bother thee?
Wake, if you must
When the walls down and ruined,
When we’ve reached the point,
That point of no redemption,
When Nagaland’s pride becomes history!
Sincerely,
Poukhekai, Imphal
