Imphal: In the face of ongoing turmoil, Manipur extends a heartfelt reception to three of its exceptional athletes who brought honor to India at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. S Nilakanta Sharma, a Gold medalist, and Bronze medalists P. Sushila Chanu and Kh. Bichu Devi were warmly greeted at Imphal International Airport by adoring fans, family, and fellow sportspersons. Despite their remarkable achievements, the homecoming carries a solemn undertone, as these athletes reflect on the challenging circumstances back in Manipur.
While receiving a subdued yet sincere hero’s welcome, marked by garlands, embraces, and applause, P. Sushila Chanu shared her thoughts with the media. She expressed, “Our target was the gold medal, but we came back with silver. While training in Bangalore, we closely followed the distressing news from Manipur, witnessing the devastation and sorrow of our people. We felt powerless from a distance, but we held onto the belief that any medal we won would be a tribute to our beloved Manipur. Looking forward, we are committed to contributing more to our homeland.”
Goalkeeper Kh. Bichu Devi echoed these sentiments, stating, “In sports, we often confront the harsh reality that someone must lose. Nevertheless, I remain unwavering in my determination to give my best in upcoming matches, with the aim of bringing further glory to both Manipur and India.”
S Nilakanta Sharma, a vital part of the gold medal-winning team, shared his perspective on the tumultuous events in Manipur. Even while pursuing his athletic goals, he remained connected to his homeland, staying updated on the unfolding crisis through various social media platforms. When asked if he wanted to send a message back home, his response was poignant: “If speaking out could have resolved the situation, we would have raised our voices much earlier.”
Reflecting on his triumphant return after the Olympics, Nilakanta recounted the stark contrast between that reception and his current homecoming. “After the Olympics, the atmosphere was electrifying. This time, even with a gold medal in our hands, the reception feels different. My teammates from other states were elated, but my heart was heavy knowing the unrest that awaited me in Manipur. I anticipated a subdued welcome upon landing in Imphal, given the prevailing situation.”
In contrast to the usual jubilant celebrations athletes received in Manipur upon their return, the current unrest in the state has cast a more somber tone over this homecoming. Nevertheless, the victories of these athletes provide a fleeting yet poignant glimmer of joy amidst the shadows for the people of Manipur.
