Mary Kom wins hearts but Power department plays spoilsport
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 08, 2012:
Mary Kom lost the semi-final bout but won hearts with her sheer display of grit and determination.
The State Power Department on the other hand lived up to its expectations and played spoilsport, forcing many to go in for the genset.
Even as all the major roads and streets of Imphal wore a deserted look with people already at home, as the clock's hand inched closer to 6 in the evening, to watch the much anticipated semi-final bout featuring Mary Kom, many in different localities had to opt for the generator, while many more were left wringing their hands in despair when the power supply snapped in their respective areas.
A number of readers called up the office of The Sangai Express inquiring about the result of the match as there was no power supply.
A frustrated man from Kakwa Laiphrakpam Leikai called up the office of this newspaper and gave vent to his sense of frustration over the power cut.
"All that we asked for is 30 minutes of uninterrupted power supply and look what they have done," he fumed.
At Ukhrul town, where power was restored after more than five days of total darkness today, many residents had to rely on the generator to watch the match as the power supply started tripping.
Meanwhile, the Langol residence of MC Mary Kom witnessed an unprecedented number of people where scenes of expectation and excitement on the faces of young admirers jostled with prayers by the elderly citizens.
Even though Mary Kom eventually lost the 51 kg category semifinal bout to Great Britain's Nicola Adams, the diminutive but highly decorated boxer won hearts of both her old and young fans.
Amid the locals, a large contingent of national electronic and print media personnel were also present at mary Kom's residence to beam/record the scene.
Prior to watching the crucial bout on television, Mary Kom's proud father M Tongpa Kom, joined by others, prayed for the success of his daughter.
Inspite of going down to the home favourite, many present at the occasion expressed satisfaction on the achievement of Mary Kom in the London Olympics.
Tongpa Kom also stated that his prayers have been answered for her daughter has created history in the Games becoming the only woman to gift a boxing medal to the country.