Title: Manipur Fencers Find Shelter and Training Support in Tamil Nadu
Subtitle: Manipur players seek refuge from violence and poor training conditions back home
Chennai, Tamil Nadu – In a heartwarming move, the state of Tamil Nadu has opened its doors to fencers from Manipur who have been unable to train in their home state due to violence and unfavorable training conditions. The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, issued a statement on June 23, inviting athletes from Manipur to continue their training in Tamil Nadu, offering them access to the facilities of the Tamil Nadu Sports Development Authority.
A group of 17 individuals, including 10 players, 5 coaches, and 2 officials, arrived in Chennai on August 14 to pursue their training at the Nehru Indoor Stadium. The Manipur fencers have been provided accommodation in a star hotel and are practicing at the stadium both in the morning and evening.
Singainkambi, who represented India at the 2019 Asian Fencing Championships, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to continue playing in Chennai. He emphasized the extraordinary circumstances in Manipur and the lack of proper training facilities, making Tamil Nadu feel like a home away from home.
Yaifaba, another fencer, highlighted the disruption caused by the violence in Manipur, stating that they have been unable to train effectively since May. However, he expressed his excitement about being in Chennai, praising the hospitality and delicious food, particularly the idli sambar.
The fencers from Manipur have also developed a strong bond with their Tamil Nadu counterparts, with both groups learning from each other and creating a supportive training environment. The players from Tamil Nadu have been teaching Tamil to the Manipur fencers, while the latter have shared Manipuri words with their new friends.
Jijonithi, a senior member of the Tamil Nadu Sports Development Authority, revealed that the Manipur players had been suffering from mental exhaustion due to the challenging circumstances back home. However, he noted that since relocating to Chennai and commencing their training, they have experienced a renewed sense of energy and focus. Jijonithi emphasized the growing sense of camaraderie between players from both states, predicting a strong performance from Manipur fencers in upcoming competitions.
Coach Nandini Devi from Manipur expressed the players’ concerns about their families and urged the Manipur and central governments to find a solution to the issues plaguing their home state. She thanked the Tamil Nadu government, sports department, and coaches for their invaluable support and affection, stating that the people of Tamil Nadu have treated them like their own brothers and sisters.
The Manipur fencers will continue training in Chennai until the second week of September, after which they plan to return to their home state. The state of Tamil Nadu hopes for their success in upcoming national and international competitions, as it would bring immense pride to both Manipur and Tamil Nadu.