Manipur, a land renowned for its sporting prowess, has long been a cradle of champions, producing some of India’s finest athletes across various disciplines. However, the northeastern state has been grappling with prolonged violence and turmoil, a conflict that has not only shaken its socio-political fabric but also cast a long shadow over its thriving sports culture. The ongoing unrest has left deep scars on the people, disrupting lives, shattering dreams, and bringing an air of uncertainty to those who once found solace in their sporting ambitions. The turmoil has forced many young athletes to abandon their training and seek refuge, and entire sporting infrastructures have suffered immensely. Yet, amidst the chaos and despair, boxing—a sport deeply embedded in the state’s identity—is making a determined comeback, defying the odds and emerging as a glimmer of hope for many aspiring athletes. This resurgence, though fragile, is a testament to the unbreakable spirit of Manipur’s youth and the tireless efforts of those who refuse to let violence dictate their future.
A Tragic Blow to Manipur’s Boxing Community
The tragic loss of young boxing talent, Thingom Rocky Meitei, in December 2023 was a severe blow to Manipur’s boxing fraternity. A state medallist, Meitei was among the few bright prospects training under former world champion Sarita Devi. However, as the violence escalated, his family was forced to flee to a relief camp after their house was torched. In an unfortunate turn of events, Meitei lost his life while assisting in village defense efforts. His untimely demise sent shockwaves through the sporting community.
Sarita Devi, now a coach and mentor, recalls how the unrest disrupted sports. “Many parents were unwilling to send their children to academies. The fear of violence and displacement loomed over everyone.” Several boxing centers were forced to shut down, and competitions were either postponed or canceled. The sub-junior state championship last year was called off midway due to curfews, reflecting the depth of instability gripping the region.
The Fight to Revive Boxing
Despite the dire circumstances, resilience is slowly carving a path forward. With President’s Rule now in place, a structured effort has been made to revive sports. Trials were conducted to select a team for the ongoing Elite Women’s National Championships, and a seven-member squad is now representing Manipur. Among them, Alena Devi made it to the semi-finals, securing a bronze medal—an inspiring milestone in such difficult times.
Sarita Devi, leading this resurgence, has not only trained her students but also sheltered those displaced by conflict. She personally brought young boxers from relief camps to her academy, ensuring they continued their training in a safe environment. “We don’t want these kids to live in fear. If sport can provide them stability, it’s worth every effort,” she says. Two such trainees, Anjali Devi and Langlen Chanu, even made it to the National Sub-Junior Championships last year, with Anjali clinching a medal.
Hope Beyond the Ring
While the revival of boxing is heartening, challenges persist. Many training centers remain closed, and athletes from hill regions have yet to return due to lingering tensions. One former trainee from the Kuki community was inducted into a boxing center in Mizoram, highlighting the complexity of rebuilding trust between the warring communities.
Sarita acknowledges the long road ahead. “It will take time for communities to reconcile. When a wound is as deep as a crater, it cannot be healed overnight.” But in every punch thrown and every medal won, Manipur’s young boxers are proving that resilience is stronger than conflict.
As the state inches towards normalcy, the sport of boxing stands as a powerful testament to Manipur’s indomitable spirit—a reminder that even in times of darkness, the will to fight, both inside and outside the ring, remains unbroken.