Arina didn\u2019t cry for long. She wiped her eyes, stilled her nerves and then told her father in no uncertain terms that she would rather become a footballer than a boxer.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
And the story began to unfold thereafter.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Today, Arina Devi Nameirakpam, a midfielder, has travelled to an extent where she has become one of the privileged 23 for the India U19 Women\u2019s Team and is currently in Dhaka for the SAFF U19 championship, waiting to be baptised in the hardcore battle of international football.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAt the age of 10, my brothers would play football in front of our house, and they would call me the ball girl. Watching them play ignited a love for the game in me. As I began learning the intricacies of football, I started playing regularly,\u201d Arina said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Arina stops for a moment and gets lost in her thoughts. She then puts away her empty plate on the breakfast table and begins to narrate her story again.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cDespite my passion, my father never supported my football aspirations; he always wanted me to be a boxer. Despite his disapproval, I continued to pursue football. Although he never expressed his thoughts, he would drop me off at coaching classes without uttering a word.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cMany people, including some close to us, would come to our house to tell my father that football is not for girls. They even have an issue with my short hair. However, my selection for the Indian team silenced many critics. My father is now satisfied, but I've assured him that I'll play and make him proud so that he doesn't have to heed others' opinions anymore,\u201d the midfielder, who draws inspiration from Bala Devi, said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
No less fascinating is the story of goalkeeper Anika Devi Sharubam, another youngster from a small village in Manipur in the India U19 team here in Dhaka.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Born to a weaver mother and a father who worked as a labourer, Anika realised early on that she needed to make a significant contribution to provide a better life for her family. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
She became a football player. Yet, one notable hurdle for her in the world of football was the language barrier. Not being fluent in Hindi or English, Anika felt this could be a limitation. However, her passion for football and admiration for goalkeeper Linthoingambi inspired her to keep growing in the game without letting language barriers hold her back.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWhen I initially began playing football in school, it was simply a hobby for me. I never anticipated that my love for the game would lead to a call-up to represent the national team. The prospect of making my debut on the international stage makes me a bit nervous, as it's my first time showcasing my skills at this level,\u201d Anika said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI face some challenges with expressing myself in other languages, but I'm working on overcoming this barrier by learning other languages. On the pitch, it\u2019s all about your performance. Fortunately, my coaches and friends have been incredibly supportive, never discouraging me due to my linguistic limitations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI draw inspiration from Linthoi, the goalkeeper of the senior national team. Whenever I have the opportunity to meet her, I strive to learn new techniques and insights. My ultimate aspiration is to play at the senior level someday, and that's why I'm committed to giving my absolute best in the SAFF U19 tournament,\u201d Anika, a music lover, said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n", "image": "https:\/\/img.cricketnmore.com\/uploads\/2024\/01\/a-tale-of-two-manipur-girls-from-the-worst-of-times-to-the-best-of-times.png", "alt_img": "A tale of two Manipur girls: From the worst of times to the best of times", "alt_title": "A tale of two Manipur girls: From the worst of times to the best of times", "image1": null, "video": null, "seo_title": "A Tale Of Two Manipur Girls: From The Worst Of Times To The Best Of Times On Cricketnmore", "seo_desc": "A Tale Of Two Manipur Girls: From The Worst Of Times To The Best Of Times, Arina Devi Nameirakpam: Ten-year-old Arina had her eyes filled with tears when her father said he was not in favour.", "seo_keywords": "Photo Credit, Arina Devi Nameirakpam, India U19 Women, SAFF U19, Bala Devi, Anika Devi Sharubam, India U19", "tag": "", "tagging": "Photo Credit, Arina Devi Nameirakpam, India U19 Women, SAFF U19, Bala Devi, Anika Devi Sharubam, India U19", "status": "1", "img_rpt": "0", "google": "1", "standout": "0", "edapps": "0", "pulse": "0", "no_index": "0", "feed": "0", "fixture": null, "slug": "a-tale-of-two-manipur-girls-from-the-worst-of-times-to-the-best-of-times", "user_id": "0", "read_count": "0", "ians_date": null, "ians_time": null, "server_time": null, "trash": "0", "view_count": "780", "page_break": "0", "instant_articles": "1", "auto_link": "0", "created": "2024-01-31 18:20:03", "updated": "2024-01-31 18:20:03", "img_from": "Image Source: IANS", "img_source": null, "schedule_publish": null, "news_keywords": "Photo Credit, Arina Devi Nameirakpam, India U19 Women, SAFF U19, Bala Devi, Anika Devi Sharubam, India U19", "livescore_text": null, "livescore_link": null, "btn_text": null, "resend_feed": "1", "google_feed": "1", "read_more": "0", "posted_by": "23", "jio_date": "2024-01-31 18:20:03", "scheduled": "0", "news_now": "0", "breaking_news": "0", "google_date": null, "featured": "0", "sports_name": "football", "cnmid": "859812", "link": "https:\/\/www.cricketnmore.com\/sports-news\/a-tale-of-two-manipur-girls-from-the-worst-of-times-to-the-best-of-times-12793" }