Indian Olympic Hockey team player Kothajit finally feted

IMPHAL, August 22: “A budding sportsperson should have an aim for success”, said state Olympian Kh Kothajit Singh during a simple reception ceremony organized at his residence by local clubs, local MLA, N Biren including officials of MOA and Manipur Hockey.

He said a sportsperson should not play for fame or money. If one is good, money and fame will come on its own.

Budding sportspersons should always understand that they cannot deviate their minds from their goal for even the slightest moment, he said.

Several film stars of the state including the likes of Athokpam Gokul, U Devita and Olen also brighten the simple ceremony with their presence.

The local MLA also presented Rs 50 thousand to the player as simple token of encouragement.

The hockey player arrived at the Imphal Airport at around 9:30am.

Soon after his exit from the airport, a huge crowd gathered around the Olympian and welcomed him with garlands.

Kothajit was also accompanied by a large number of supporters and fans on his way back to his home from the airport. Hockey players and coaches of several hockey clubs of the state also accompanied the Olympian on his way home with banners reading ‘Hero Welcome’.

At his home, filmstars Gokul, Devita and Olen had already gathered with several fans and supporters to give a rousing welcome to the Olympian.

Speaking to media persons on the sideline of the ceremony, Kothajit said, he played in all the qualifying rounds of the Indian team for the London Olympics.

However it is pitiful that he was named as the 17th player for the Olympics Indian hockey team, downing his chances of playing for the country at the London Olympics.

He expressed his displeasure that his lack of powerful backers could have cost him his place in the playing XI.

Recounting his experience of London, the mid fielder from the state said he stayed together with the other Indian players at the Olympic Games village.

Meanwhile, coming back to his reception, he expressed his pleasure over such huge crowds gathering to receive him and added that it has only encouraged him to aim higher and fight for his place in the next Olympics.

He continued that support from the government is not just about monetary assistance but genuine understanding of the sportspersons and backing them up.

On being queried if he is satisfied with his playing style, he said he will maintain his style but will try to find out his faults.

He also expressed his belief that the people of the state will continue to support him in the future.

Meanwhile, the local MLA expressed his displeasure over the exclusion of such a promising player from the playing XI.

He continued that Kothajit had taken a main role during the qualifying rounds, however denied to play in the London Olympics. It shows that sportspersons from the region also faced discrimination in the country.

If India wants medals from International tournaments, the authorities should bar petty politics from entering the field of sports, he said.

He also maintained that such incidents will only discourage a promising player.

The local MLA further assured that he will provide all possible assistance to Kothajit on all fronts.

He also lamented the establishment of two bodies for a single game.