Northeast sportspersons shine at Commonwealth Games

NEW DELHI - As Indian sportspersons gave their best ever performance by occupying second place in the overall all medal tally of the Commonwealth Games held recently, the sportspersons from the north eastern States played a significant role in bringing glory to the country.

Suranjoy Singh in boxing, Somdev Devvarman in Tennis, Beigyabati Chanu in Archery and Monica Devi in weightlifting… the list of sportspersons doing their respective States proud is certainly a long one…

All these sportspersons are delighted on being able to add to the glory of the country.

Sandhya Rani, Bronze medallist in the 48 kilogram weightlifting category, said, “It was interesting and an exciting experience to meet and interact with sportspersons from around the world during CWG.”

Renubala Chanu, Gold medallist in the 58 kg weightlifting category, said, “I want to encourage the upcoming weightlifters in the Northeast so that they can work hard and bring laurels to the country.”

Monica, Bronze medallist in the 75 kg weightlifting category, said, “Sports infrastructure in Northeast is not up to the mark. But we have a pool of talent. If infrastructure is provided and encouragement is given, we can tap the potential.”

Khumallambam Bheigyabati Chanu from Manipur bagged the Bronze medal in the women’s compound archery. Her proud coach Harinder Singh said the northeast has great sporting talent that needs to be tapped.

“Sportspersons from the northeast have great stamina. They quickly adapt and need no extra training. They have great endurance, which makes them stand out amongst other sportspersons from the country,” he said.

Kh. Bheigyabati chanu, a Bronze medallist in the Women’s Compound Archery said, ” Athletes from the northeast have managed to get a good number of medals in the Commonwealth Games. We are proud of ourselves.”
Twenty five-year-old Somdev Devvarman from Tripura won Gold Medal in Men’s tennis singles defeating Australia’s Greg Jones 6-4, 6-2.

“I am very happy. I don’t think I didn’t drop a set all this whole week and I looked pretty confident and felt very good. I’m pretty glad that all actually turned out well. It’s a dream come true for me to win a gold medal for India in any games possible,” he said.

Somdev’s father Pravanjan Devvarman said, “He was in the top seat. People expected him to get through and fortunately he did. It is a happy experience. I hope everyone shares it too.”

Moreover, during the opening and closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games, the artistes from the north east region of the country captivated attention due to their performances in the spectacular ceremonies.

During the closing ceremony, an electrifying performance “Agni” was presented by martial art artistes from across India. It included performances like ‘machetes’ by Naga warriors and ‘Thang-Ta’ by Manipuri martial artists.

The 19th Commonwealth Games have left behind some wonderful moments in India’s sporting history. By Karam Roniya (ANI)