Hockey India League 2024-25 offers shoulder to players from Manipur

Hockey India League 2024-25 offers shoulder to players from Manipur

The Hockey India League (HIL) has provided much-needed support to the players from Manipur as they try to lift the sport despite the troubled background in the state.

Internationals Nilakanta Sharma, Kothajit Singh, Sushila Chanu and some up-and-coming players from the state are featuring in the HIL. They feel the league will woo others as well.

Midfielder Nilakanta, who dons Hyderabad Toofans colours, thinks HIL would help raise the standard of hockey in Manipur.

“Considering the troubled backdrop in Manipur, where anything can happen at any time, leaving family behind is difficult. It’s good for the youngsters, especially those who are watching it on TV, they will be inspired to work hard and play here,” said Nilakanta.

Manipur men’s team improved its performance in recent years, finishing fifth and fourth in 2023 and 2024 respectively, in the National Championship in Chennai.

Remembering the hardships their state team faced to play in the National Championship, Nilakanta said, “UNNACO’s owner N. Irabanta Singh Sir helped us a lot by booking our tickets and providing support to compete in the National Championship in 2023 and 2024.

“It would have been difficult to raise ₹6000-7000 from a household, especially when people cannot go to work and the economy is affected. The monetary help from HIL would help some younger players.”

Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers’ midfielder Ingalemba Luwang valued his HIL experience. “I am improving. It’s a good opportunity. Playing with experienced players helps us know about their level as well as ours.

“Those who are coming from poor backgrounds can get some resources for their diet and equipment. This will help our state team in the National Games also. We will share our experience with young players back in Manipur. If they improve, our state will improve and the country will improve.

“It’s difficult to focus on the game while your state is in trouble. It has been two years. But we have to do this for our future.”

Shileima Chanu, a midfielder of the Delhi SG Pipers women’s team, hopes the HIL will have a positive impact on the players from Manipur.

“As we don’t have enough facilities in our state, we have to struggle a lot to reach this level. Hopefully, other players will get inspired by seeing us here in the HIL and will improve,” Shileima said.