Guwahati: In the heartland of India’s northeast, where lush green landscapes meet vibrant cultures, a silent revolution is brewing on the hockey fields.
The northeastern states of Manipur and Mizoram, both synonymous with their rich traditions and picturesque terrains, have emerged as the torchbearers of hockey prowess in the region, showcasing their mettle in the ‘14th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship’ in Maharashtra’s Pune.
The journey of Mizoram and Manipur in the ongoing marquee domestic championship has not only been remarkable, but also symbolic of the burgeoning progress of hockey in the northeastern region of the country.
Both the teams, defying all odds and expectations, reached the Quarter-Finals, reflecting the unwavering dedication and untapped potential that exists in the northeast. This spirited performance has fostered a new era of hockey excellence in the region.
Mizoram’s campaign was nothing short of spectacular. Backed by impressive performances from India striker Lalremsiami, Lalrinpuii and H Lalruatfeli, the team registered emphatic victories over Himachal 10-0 and Rajasthan 20-2, to announce their arrival with authority.
However, it was their showdown against Punjab that truly etched their name in the annals of Indian hockey history. Against all predictions, they punched above their weight and clinched a sensational 4-2 triumph against Punjab, stunning the hockey fraternity and proving their prowess on the national stage.
Although they narrowly missed the semi-final berth, succumbing to a close 1-2 defeat against last year’s bronze medalist Jharkhand, their journey was a testament to resilience and skill.
“We were confident in our abilities. Despite being relatively new to the national stage, we believed in our team’s potential. Our players knew the significance of each match, especially in securing a spot in the Quarter-Finals,” Mizoram’s coach Lal Rothuami said.
“Similarly, we approached the game against Punjab with determination, knowing that a strong performance could lead us to victory, and eventually, our belief paid off as we emerged triumphant, surprising many with our tenacity and a never-give-up spirit,” he said.
“The tournament served as a valuable learning experience for our team, providing us with insights into our strengths and areas for improvement. Next time, we will aim to at least make it to the finals of the tournament,” Rothuami added.
On the other hand, Manipur, featuring budding India stars Bichu Devi Kharibam, Suman Devi Thoudam and ably backed by Captain Lily Chanu Mayengbam, also left an indelible mark on the tournament with their stellar performances.
Dominating their group stage encounters with commanding wins over Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 12-0, Karnataka 3-0 and Uttarakhand 11-2, they showcased their dominance and tactical acumen.
Despite a closely-fought battle against Maharashtra in the Quarter-Finals, ending in a 2-1 loss, their journey was nothing less than inspiring.
“Our journey in this tournament has been incredibly rewarding. Coming from Manipur, our initial expectations were modest, but reaching the Quarter-Finals filled us with immense joy and pride. It’s a significant achievement for our team, considering the challenges we faced as we didn’t get much time to practice as a team ahead of the tournament.
“While our Quarter-Final match highlighted areas for improvement, it’s all part of the learning process. Looking ahead, we aim to push ourselves further in the next edition of the tournament, building on the invaluable lessons we have learned. The development of hockey culture in the northeast has been remarkable, benefiting both the players and their parents alike,” Manipur’s coach Ngangom Priya Chanu said.
The emergence of Manipur and Mizoram as hockey powerhouses serves as an inspiration for budding talents across the northeastern region, breaking stereotypes, and paving the way for a brighter future in the sport.
Moreover, it highlights the transformative potential of sports in fostering social cohesion, gender equality, and regional development.