Kunjarani, The Queen Of Inspiration

By Biju Babu Cyriac

Bangalore, Mar 27 : The heroics of Nameirakpaam Kunjarani Devi, who won scores of medals in international weightlifting competitions and part of Manipur's sporting folklore now, is still inspiring hundreds of her state mates to take up the sport. With a berth in the state team coming at a premium, a large number of them are now even wearing the colours of other states in National championships.

After Kunjarani, who is yet to announce her retirement, Manipur produced a number of top-class weightlifters who went on to win laurels for the country. A look at the list of weightlifters competing in the National Weightlifting throws out some interesting statistics. There are just a handful of teams who are competing without a Manipuri in their ranks.

"Over the past few years we have given at least 20-25 No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to our weightlifters. As we had many good lifters, especially women, we couldn't give a chance to all," Ranjan Singh, Manipur coach told TOI. "Of the 10 lifters competing in the women's 53kg category, five are hailing from Manipur," he said.

Asked about the huge popularity of the sport in Manipur, Ranjan recalled that it was Kunjarani who acted as a catalyst. "In the early 80s, powerlifting was the rage in Manipur. Then during the 1985 National Games, Kunjarani won the gold in the 44kg class and that was the start," he said.

"It continued from then on with Monica Devi, Sanamacha and Renubala Chanu at the Delhi CWG. Now we have at least 80-100 lifters. Most of them who are competing here are juniors and they will ready for the top-class action soon," Ranjan said.

Jharkhand's gain

The flurry of top lifters coming out of the gymnasiums in Imphal turned out to be hosts Jharkhand's gain in the recent National Games as the state roped in six Manipuris.

"It was difficult for us to get into Manipur state team and there were other states who didn't have quality weightlifters. Six of us joined Jharkhand as they had promised big cash awards to the tune of seven, five and three lakh to the gold, silver and bronze winners. In the end we won two gold, two silver and two bronze medals," Premoshawari, who won the silver medal for Jharkhand in women's 58kg, said.

"We are all waiting for the cash awards. They have promised to organize a big function to honour all the medal winners," said the 24-year-old from Imphal.