O Mema : Sports pages alone can entertain the contemporary Manipuris

Seram Neken *

Only sports can bring charm to the Manipuris who are reeling under various crimes, bandhs and blockades. O. Mema Devi is a veteran sportswoman who has firm belief in the sportspersons of this land. 'ON THE GOLDEN FOOTPRINTS' reproduces here the sports profile of veteran player O. Mema Devi from Ratneshwori Goswami's Akao Parei Chankhrabasing published in the Huieyen Lanpao (Manipuri).

Sports enthusiast O. Mema Devi, a popular athlete of the 1960s, is the lone daughter (with a younger brother) of O. Samungou and Thouranisabi Devi of Kwakeithel Moirang Purel Leikai. Her enthusiasm in sports continued even after her marriage with Shri Ngasepam Tomcha, a renowned sportsman from Tera Khuraijam Leirak Imphal.

Her involvement in sports started while she was studying in class VI at Kwakeithel School. Her favourite game by that time was Athletics (race). She often participated at the sports events organized at Oinam Thingel. Her sports career further heightened at Tamphasana Girls' School where she studied from class VII onwards. As an all rounder, she played Athletics, Kho Kho, High Jump, Table Tennis etc. in the inter school and inter high school sports competitions.

In the 6th Inter School Games and Sports Meet 1960, she stood second position in 100 meter race. In the 11th Manipur State Games held in the same year, Mema could earn first positions in High Jump and 80 meter Hurdles. She was also adjudged the Individual Champions title.

Representing the Tamphasana Girls' School, O. Mema got first position in High Jump and second in Broad Jump in 1961. During her hectic involvement in sports, Shri SD Bahuguna was the Director of Sports and Thangjam Modhu was the Deputy Director. Although a number of sports persons including women appeared in the state by 1960, the society at large did not approve of women indulging in games along with the male-folk.

Girls doing sports were not considered in good terms and were not encouraged. In spite of all the odds attached to the sportswomen of the time, one of her uncles supported her in pursuing games and sports. She participated in the National School Games Meet held in Mumbai, Calcutta and Indore several times.

One of her contemporary players, as she recalled, was Apeicha (Sorojini) who excellently played Athletics, Badminton and Table Tennis, and who was also the Best Cadet of NCC. However, the sports career of Apeicha ended immaturely, she lamented.

In recognition of her sports talents, the elders in the sports department offered her employment in the department. Mema recollected her guides such as Thangjam Modhu, Thangjam Iboyaima and Helim Chowdhry who were responsible for offering her the job opportunity in 1981. By 1984, Mema Devi received the B.P Ed training from Madurai Kamraj University on deputation from the sports department.

It was a great satisfaction in life of O. Mema Devi that she had the chance of working in the sports department, although at a later part of her life. In her official capacity, she was involved in games arrangements on many occasions before retirement from service in 2011. 69 year old Mema Devi, who ardently yearned to play in various games, could not do so due to a chronic pain in the waist.

Mema observes that the contemporary people of Manipur can be entertained only by our sportspersons. She is optimistic that the state, as the powerhouse of sports, will bring out numerous players of repute in future. All the efforts for development of infrastructure and supports to players will become fruitful in the years to come. Even when all the crimes, bandhs, blockades etc. happened in Manipur discourage us to lead a meaningful life, the news of victory appeared in sports news pages bring charm to Manipuris.

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