By Hrishikesh Angom
IMPHAL, Mar 3: At the age of 75 almost all people find difficulty to walk even with the support of walking sticks, but Nupimacha is still active and vibrant to clinch a silver medal in 200 metres race at the 32nd National Master Athletic Championship held at Chandigarh from February 24 to 27.
Angom Ongbi Nupimacha, 75, wife of A Joykumar of Porompat Thawanthaba Leikai is the mother of eight children and grandmother of 16 grandchildren.
Grown up with a sporting zeal in a village called Lamboi Khul in Imphal East, Nupimacha was very much energetic to take part in almost all local activities. However, her early marriage at the age of 16 deterred her sporting spirit and she was confined mainly to the household as a simple house-wife for the last many decades.
On certain occasion of Yaoshang sports meet, she used to take part in marathon race simply to appease her innate sporting spirit which has been suppressed for quite a long time.
The time comes when her sons and daughters become quite matured to handle their own affairs and a big burden of her family was ultimately shed off from her.
Besides being an energetic athlete, Nupimacha also works as a member of Meira Paibee and local cultural organization though she is unable to read and write.
She would take part in various state level racing competitions held in connection with Nupi Lal or World Aids Day, and return home with a happy smile after bagging some trophy.
In fact her real sporting career begins from the platinum jubilee of her life. Her dream comes true nearly after a half century.
Nupimacha said, `I would have been much better than legendary athlete PT Usha or lightning Usain Bolt if there were opportunities of training myself in the field of athletics. I regret for beginning my sporting career at the ultimate stage but I am grateful to the almighty for giving me such vigour and strength to compete with other aged people of the country`.
She stated that she would continue to take part in such sporting events till her last breath and committed that she would put more efforts to improve her performance in the next competition.
Nupimacha also appealed to the women of the state to take part in sports rather than confining themselves in the four walls of the kitchen.
`A woman should know how to take care of her husband and children, but at the same time she should also pursue whatever she likes`, she enjoined.
Apart from being a good athlete, Nupimacha is also a good mother. All of her children are well-educated and well-disciplined. Her children are now selection grade lecturer, graduate teacher, advocate and other professionals.
Nupimacha has indeed manifested the true spirit of Manipuri women who can excel in very field besides taking care of their husband and children.
