Football-crazy NE slowly picking up the hockey stick

RANCHI: The women's hockey teams from Manipur and Mizoram stunned everyone when they reached the senior women's national championship quarterfinals early last year. Mizoram also impressed in the sub-junior women's national championship later in the year, making it to the semifinals and eventually finishing fourth.
In a region where football remains the first love among most people, this was certainly quite a feat. It's just the start, though. One hopes the results will get even better once more kids start playing the game after seeing players from the region take part in the lucrative Women's Hockey India League (WHIL).
This time there were three players each from Mizoram and Manipur taking part in the tournament. Former India captain Sushila Chanu believes it's going to have a huge impact in the coming days.
"It's a great feeling and a huge opportunity for all the players to be part of this tournament. Most importantly, when today's generation sees us perform here, they will be inspired to take up the game," said Chanu, who played for Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers in WHIL.
Her Bengal Tigers and India teammate Lalremsiami, who hails from Mizoram, believes their good showing will help in better infrastructure coming up in the state, something that is still missing.
"There are several good players in Mizoram but it's not easy for them since good facilities aren't yet available. Hopefully, it will come up in the coming days," said Lalremsiami.
Speaking of talent, one of the young Mizoram players who did well over the past two weeks of WHIL was Bengal Tigers' Lalrinpuii. She was also part of the Junior Asia Cup squad and scored a goal against Thailand. Coming from a family of footballers, she took up hockey in the hope of getting a job to support her family.
Marina Lalramnghaki, also from Mizoram, was over the moon when she was picked in the auctions by Bengal Tigers for Rs.10 lakh. "Financially it was a big boost because my mother's health isn't great and this will help me take better care of her," said Marina, whose mother also used to play the game.
India goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam, who played for Delhi SG Pipers, believes the tournament will help improve her skills. Her young teammate from Manipur, Khaidem Shileima Chanu, was heartbroken with side's just one outright win in six games, but she is pleased to have got the opportunity.