It’s being called a historical moment for Team Nagaland, in the recently conducted Football Exhibition match for Women (under 16) held on the 27th – 28th May 2011 and organized by the Department of Youth Resources & Sports under the aegis of the IGS Sports Academy. This event has fused our state’s women into something bigger, something grander, and something more. We were small, but we were made so big. There has been euphoria here, and a change.
For a spectator like me, who came all the way from Dimapur to witness this event, I am proud of this grand experiment.
The will to challenge arises when an opportunity is provided to prove one’s mettle. This event provided the ideal foundation for the players of IGS Sports Academy, who were lacking in exposure to build their confidence and showcase their potential by taking on the might of the renowned Manipur Team.
By the time the match ended between Team Nagaland and the indomitable Manipur Team who had more than 6-7 International players and State players, it was clear that “today we have absolutely moved a mountain”.
This was an event that started with uncooperative weather. But finished in a crescendo of cheers from rain-drenched crowds that poured into the ground to witness our girls demonstrate their remarkable powers of sport.
To the Ladies of Team Nagaland, you are the winners, a perfect team, who have behaved with great dignity, filled the hearts of our visitors with friendship and goodwill, poured your hearts & soul into every training, took on a stubborn mountain with all your might-the result, Nagaland – 2, Manipur – 0. May your success be worn as a badge of honour throughout your many more events to come. For you have, through your magnificent game, defined for all to see, ours being a patriarchal society, what it is to be a woman and yet break into an arena where men are regarded more superior.
To the visiting teams, you played fair and have also won our hearts! For many of you who toiled behind the scene to make this event a success, who drove the buses, cooked the food and toiled day and night to complete a million tasks-may the success of this event be your reward for all days to come.
To the Department, I and many like –minded people, tip our hat to all the officials of IGS Academy - full credit for believing in and organizing this great event. You have set the course and chance for our people to experience the pleasure of sport. You have provided us with excellent sports and truly went beyond the boundaries of race, religion, and sex which saw the teams compete in friendship and peace.
For a spectator like me, who came all the way from Dimapur to witness this event, I am proud of this grand experiment.
The will to challenge arises when an opportunity is provided to prove one’s mettle. This event provided the ideal foundation for the players of IGS Sports Academy, who were lacking in exposure to build their confidence and showcase their potential by taking on the might of the renowned Manipur Team.
By the time the match ended between Team Nagaland and the indomitable Manipur Team who had more than 6-7 International players and State players, it was clear that “today we have absolutely moved a mountain”.
This was an event that started with uncooperative weather. But finished in a crescendo of cheers from rain-drenched crowds that poured into the ground to witness our girls demonstrate their remarkable powers of sport.
To the Ladies of Team Nagaland, you are the winners, a perfect team, who have behaved with great dignity, filled the hearts of our visitors with friendship and goodwill, poured your hearts & soul into every training, took on a stubborn mountain with all your might-the result, Nagaland – 2, Manipur – 0. May your success be worn as a badge of honour throughout your many more events to come. For you have, through your magnificent game, defined for all to see, ours being a patriarchal society, what it is to be a woman and yet break into an arena where men are regarded more superior.
To the visiting teams, you played fair and have also won our hearts! For many of you who toiled behind the scene to make this event a success, who drove the buses, cooked the food and toiled day and night to complete a million tasks-may the success of this event be your reward for all days to come.
To the Department, I and many like –minded people, tip our hat to all the officials of IGS Academy - full credit for believing in and organizing this great event. You have set the course and chance for our people to experience the pleasure of sport. You have provided us with excellent sports and truly went beyond the boundaries of race, religion, and sex which saw the teams compete in friendship and peace.
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