A tale of Robbery, 'Sob-bery' and Again Robbery

Robbery

It was very unfortunate and shocking, of what happened, post the Semi-final bout between Laishram Sarita Devi and the local favourite Park Ji-na in Incheon Asian Games' Lightweight boxing. The jury's controversial verdict denied Sarita an entry into the final. The video footage showed the tell-tale sign of partiality and 'home advantage'. The Manipuri pugilist knocked Park out in the Third round and also had a convincing Fourth round but the viewers, as much as she, were in for a rude shock when the umpire raised Park's hands instead, at the end. In short, it was highway robbery. No ifs and no buts.

What was equally shocking and more saddening, was the absence of Indian officials to support the inconsolable Sarita after the verdict. That was not all, no official was forthcoming when she decided to protest against the decision compelling her to borrow $500 to lodge her protest. But even, that was turned down and rejected by AIBA (International Amateur Boxing Association).

David Francis, AIBA supervisor, said the Indian team had not followed the proper rules regarding protests. He was quoted as saying "The Indian Team submitted a protest, however the Indian Team did not follow the AIBA Technical Rules and protested against the Judges’ decisions, though the Rules only allow a protest against the Referee’s Decision." If what Francis said is to be trusted, it brought to the fore, the ill-equipped and illiterate Indian officials on that front. It also shows Indian Boxing Federation in all its 'shining armour'.

Sob-bery (Sob-story)

While moral support from every right thinking Indians was pouring in from all corner, home and abroad, thanks to the Indian media featuring the bout and her tale of woes non-stop. Sarita turned out to be a tad too emotionally ridden, sobbing on the podium, and rejecting outright the Bronze medal at the Medal Ceremony. If her behaviour at the podium was not ugly enough she walked up to Park Ji-na and tried to drape the medal around the stunned, Silver medalist's neck. That despicable and avoidable act of her proved to be her 'only' undoing.

Sarita Devi trying to drape, the Bronze medal, around Ji-na's neck

It was totally uncalled for and very unbecoming of a sports personality of her stature whose 'wall of fame' includes a former world champion title (Lightweight), Arjuna award (2009) and a Silver medal in Glasgow 2O14 . Not to forget, she was also a national champion. When the whole world points finger at South Korea and the officials of foul play, her melodramatic behaviour created the much sough after opportunity, as Son Cheon-taik, The Deputy Secretary General of Incheon's Organising Committee, was quick to respond by stating "She (Sarita) needs to respect the official ruling and show sportsmanship. Her actions were not sportsman-like." He seems to be making his point heard across the table now.

It is difficult to comprehend what actually compelled Sarita to behave in such manner, at the podium, after all what needs to be done had, already been done. And her protest too, not yielding any positive result. Keeping in view, the  media attention and the fan following she garnered, following her 'sob-bery', she is now at par with Mary Kom, who holds the record for being the first Indian woman boxer to have won Gold in the history of Asian Games.

Again Robbery

I can't help but think, of a larger ulterior motive, Sarita might have had, in all these 'dramebazi'? A leading English newspaper in the home-state of the two famous boxers, Manipur, had lavishly devoted three-fourth of its Front page coverage entirely on Sarita Devi while Mary Kom is forced to eat a humble-pie going by the the 2nd October edition of the Imphal based daily. If the robbery of her promising medal, nothing less 'glittering' than Silver was not enough, her 'sob-bery' now has in robbed 'Hmang-nificient Mary' of the media coverage and attention she so richly deserved.

And What's Next?

But all said and weighed, her determination to continue boxing, despite the unfair treatment meted out to her, is praiseworthy. I hope it's not just mere emotional ranting, which I'm tempted to suspect of, at the end of the day. However, that would materialise only and if she doesn't face a ban by AIBA. And in all likelihood, in the present scenario and if what is reported in Reuters is anything to go by, the AIBA is to issue a decision regarding disciplinary procedures immediately after the Games, which end on Saturday. If AIBA is unforgiving in its afore-mentioned disciplinary procedures, Sarita's promising boxing career could end right here with Incheon Asian Games. And that would be a huge loss for India, in general and Manipur in particular. 

It is however, too untimely to predict anything following the unfortunate turn of events. Whichever way the pendulum swings, for better or for worse, only time will tell.

Suhel Akhtar and The Memories of My One-time Classmates|

In remembrance of my classmates, 1995-96, St. Mary's H/S, Tuibuong, Churachandpur|

            (File photo: St. Mary's H/S, Tuibuong, 2002 batch with the Principal and teaching staff)



I'm not sure which teacher it was who asked "Who is the Dy Commissioner of Churachandpur?" in the class way back in the year 1995. Was it B.C. Nangpu (Bungmual City) or was it Sir (L) Mate?

None of us had a readymade answer barring one-Hringsolal, who later became a well known footballer of Churachandpur, Ccp in short. Only once had I the rare opportunity of watching him in action, in Kholmun ground. Boy, he was good!. But even he got it wrong, I still remember him having said "Suhel Langtar". He said so not as a response to the teacher's query but as to himself and to those seating around him. I asked him again, more than twice, so that I could jot it down but he himself was as confused as I was. Even Dayananda, the class topper, couldn't meet the teacher's roving eyes for an answer.

And Ompuia a.k.a. Ompapa was also silent. His bete noire, Vungthianmawi, the teachers' pet, but known popularly among the boys as 'Complain Box' hasn't had enough reason to protest too. Very unlikely of her. Whenever 'Ms Complain Box' said or did something Ompapa was never shy to retaliate in equal, befitting measure. Admit it guys! We like their chemistry or tiff whichever was true.

I remember having flipped the pages of 'Thinglhang Post' newspaper that evening to avoid 'getting cane' the next day. That didn't helped me much though. Luckily, the teacher, on having seen most of the students without doing the home-work, refrain from using the much dreaded cane. He spared himself the after effect he might have sustained by beating more than 30 odd students. Instead he made us write 15/20 times the name he wrote on the blackboard: Suhel Akhtar. He was the Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur that time.

Now, as I recalled it was like Achilles (Brad Pitt) in 'Troy' saying "Men fights for Kings they don't even met" (This may not be the exact words spoken in the epic movie). Similarly, because of the man we don't even met or know our tiny li'l fingers were sore writing his name.

At times, I remember some of our old class-mates, in fact, as I write this, I see some of their faces, donning Navy blue trouser, 'Ujala' brighten white shirt and a red-tie; it's not that I'm particularly fond of them nor dislike them. I don't even thinks a lot about those bygone era. It just barge into my mind randomly. But it always leaves me, thinking, how they'll be doing or where will they be now???

That 'Suppandi' Lianmuanlal. O! I still see him, in my mind's eye, with that remarkable head of his and the woolen school sweater he used to wear. Mischievous, combed and oily haired, Martin. Kamlalmuan, whom I sat with, on the same bench and write on the same desk. He speaks fast and writes even faster. Thangminlen, who is etched in my memory, as the one who said "Moirang singju pang hau hau ee" too often than necessary. He had a knack for saying that before hitting Johnson of Tuibuong not the other Johnson from Khomuoi. And Kamkhansuan, I did once chanced upon him at a railway platform in Delhi but he no longer remembers me.

Adison, Bidyasagar and Rishabh Sharma, the pioneer, as according to Sir Kalamu. Are they still alive?! And I don't know her name but she was better known as 'Mar Bank'. If I remember correctly she was a newcomer, like  me, in Class IV of St. Mary's H/S, in the year 1995. Sir Mate, our History & Civics teacher, then, asked her to write on the board where she was from. And lo! She wrote 'Mar Bank' (Hmar Veng) just like the way she pronounced.

Samuel Zabieklien and I were fond of singing 'mehbooba' from my all time favorite B'wood movie Sholay in the classroom though furtively. Neither of us aspire to be a singer. We don't even like our voices ourselves. The two Joseph, one was smaller and the other was James Darngawn li'l brother. Ronald Khupminthang whose handwriting was like that of a lady; neat & tidy. I hope they are doing well. These guys I do meet once or twice and it was a warmly feeling they still remembers me.

And very much later, a year or two after perhaps, in Class VII or VIII Jangkholal a.k.a. Jewish spirit and Sonminlun a.k.a. L.S. were vying for the attention of the same girl. 'Irene' was the bone of contention between the two buddies. However, L.S. later shifted gear and changes direction, setting his eyes firmly on 'Chongphens'. By then Jewish spirit too, failed to live up to his illustrious name; he aborted 'Mission Irene' forever. I never ask him why, he never told me why.

Seilenlal was one restless prick I got to know. I once told him "it's Rexona deodrant you're using" 

and since then, we sort of became friends. His side-kick or vice-versa Lalsawma was witty and a jocund company to have around.

George Thangcrosslien became Thangcross-'lion' after Sir (L) Francis told him to write his name on the board. His 'e' had an 'o' appeal hence, 'lion' replaced 'lien'. One day, 'gul-hit' (It's more like a reddish tick, I don't know its English equivalent) 'flew over my cuckoo nest' (sic) and all hell broke loose. I couldn't sit in the class, in peace, it was itching. I ask for the teacher's permission to take a leak. I met Thangcrosslion on the way, he too had been out for 'passing  #1'. He  did a yeoman service to me by removing the 'gul-hit' using a grass stalk, laboriously. I'm forever indebted to him...hahaha

Until now, I don't understand why Siamchinmawi and Paochungnung couldn't see eye to eye during those years. They could fight anytime, anywhere; their bout was nothing less than a Jackie Chan's movie or any Chinese action flick. May be, they fight just for the heck of it. Or 'training' to be a professional fighter one day. If it was for the latter their cherished dream hasn't seen the light of day.

Forgive me, friends, if I'm wrong or disclosed more than what is basic and essential. Else i'll be doomed. Wait, why am I even writing this in the first place? If i say, i did just to empty my head? Does that makes me selfish? I don't know, you better be the judge. I just wanna say wherever you all are- May God be with you all!

(P.S. Due to 1997 misunderstanding between hill-brethren in Churachandpur, our class and friends were torn apart and scattered elsewhere; since then, our path hardly ever cross again. Even if it did, we hardly recognise each other now)