If India has to shine at the world level in Sepak Takraw, then it is mandatory to have a National Center: Ayekpam Devi. Loktej Sports News

Margao, 4 November (Hindustan Reporter) At any stage of life, happiness often comes through struggles and challenges. Indian Sepak Takraw women’s team players and 2023 Asian Games bronze medalists Oinam Chaoba Devi and Ayekpam Maipak Devi also have a similar story. Representing Manipur in the ongoing 37th National Games in Goa, the duo won the gold medal in the women’s team event and women’s Regu event by defeating Goa and Nagaland in the final respectively.

Chaoba Devi, 34, has represented India in the Asian Games on four different occasions. But the Indian team’s confidence is now very high after winning a bronze medal in the Quadrant event and a silver medal in the Regu event at the King’s Cup Sepak Takraw World Championships in 2023 and a bronze medal in the Asian Games in the women’s Regu event. But things have been a little different for the national team in recent years.

“Culturally, Sepak Takraw is quite popular in Manipur and even other north-eastern states of India,” Chaoba Devi said. Many people and small children play this game. However, in terms of facilities and infrastructure, we still do not get much support either nationally or internationally. Till 2013, we had to pay from our own pocket for travel and accommodation while representing India in international tournaments.

Since the performance of the Indian team at the world level is becoming increasingly impressive, the team now gets some help in terms of equipment and apparel. However, even the top players, who are representing India, need a lot of support to stay motivated and focus on their training. Indian women’s team captain Ayekpam Maipak Devi believes that India still has a long way to go to compete against top teams like Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia.

He said, “There is no famous academy or permanent place for Sepak Takraw training in India. Even for big tournaments like the World Championships and Asian Games, we have a 90-day camp before the competition, where we train together. Other times, players practice individually, which is not ideal in a team sport. If we get these basic facilities, I am sure India’s performance on the world stage will be even better.” Manipur has been one of those states which has promoted this sport since its early days.

With a strong regional influence, football is a game played by many boys and girls in Manipur. Sepak Takraw has taken on the role of a ‘cousin game’ due to the slight similarity between the two games. In fact, players like Oinam Chaoba Devi, Elangbam Priya Devi and Lirentombi Devi (all 2023 Asian Games bronze medalists) got their start in sports with football.

Many clubs and regional academies also play and promote Sepak Takraw in the state. With inter-state tournaments held regularly in Manipur, youth are encouraged to take up sports as these competitions have cash prizes for the winners and are used as a criteria for applying for government jobs in the state. Let’s work.

Talking about what winning a medal for their state means to the team, captain Oinam Chauba Devi said, “We are very happy to win these medals for our state, especially because Sepak Takra is coming after a gap of 11 years. Has returned to the national games after. Winning a medal for Manipur is a matter of great joy for our families. Therefore, we dedicate this gold medal to the people of Manipur.