Another invasion into the male bastion

India Blooms | IBNS | Kalyani, February 03, 2012 :

Trends are meant to be broken. The chauvinistic male has always dreamt of wearing black. They still can, but the monopoly no more stays. Chimchim Serto, presently on duty in the AIFF U-14 Football Fest in Kalyani, stays one among the 23 Women Referees in India at the moment. And as per Chimchim, "the gang is increasing."

"I dream of becoming a FIFA Referee soon," 23-year old Chimchim, who hails from Manipur, quips. At present, Maria Rebello stays the sole Women's FIFA Referee in India.

"I have represented Manipur as a striker in Women's Nationals and have played at the University Level," Chimchim, in her squeaky voice, informs.

Referees and players being the best of pals – unheard off, but only till now.

"The Sporting Culture in Manipur helps one to groom as a sportsperson," Chimchim, who recently got a job with Manipur Police, maintains. "My fitness regime begins early morning. There are various levels of sprinting. At first, I am supposed to sprint 150metres in 35 seconds. And it goes on."

"Concentration is also an quintessential part of a referee's lifespan. The discipline in life is always reflected on the field," a philosophical Chimchim, playing with the ball in her hand, reflects. "A referee has to be a born leader," she goes on. "I have some special exercises to improve concentration. You can call it a part of meditation."

Her whistle blows and the match kicks-off -- you watch from a distance. Footballs being a body-contact sport, even at the U-14 level, tempers do run high. Chimchim rushes to the spot and her ‘roar' takes over the rein.