The Trophy Comes Home : A Victory March (Hnamdang in hmelhriatte chhiar tir ve ru, share ru le. Mizoram Ropuina chanchin hi) Written by Hannah Lalhlanpuii In the afternoon of 12th March, 2014, the airplane carrying the Champion Team (of the 68th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy) from Mizoram landed at Lengpui Airport where they were greeted by multitudes sharing in their jubilation. A brief ceremony of celebration was held at the airport with a musical band party from the 1st MAP. Half an hour later, they departed for the state capital led by the Aizawl Traffic Police and trailed by the Aizawl Thunders. The bus carrying the team ran third, followed by the Santosh Trophy Mizoram Supporters Club. The victory march comprised of all sorts of vehicles porceeding from the north of Aizawl and across the length of the elated city. The procession finally entered AR Lammual at 4 in the evening where the trophy was brought in by the players amidst screaming fans. Every available space in the AR field was taken up by the thousands of fans and supporters who had gathered there to welcome the champion team. The much loved playground of the Mizos was adorned with the enthusiastic Mizo fans where many of them had to stand for hours on account of inadequate seating space. “ So this is what football meant to the Mizo people!”, is the repeatedly heard comment from outsiders who came to witness the celebration. The champion team was escorted into the field by the Govt. Mizo Higher Secondary Band Party. After the championship trophy was taken for a display to all corners of the field, the players finally settled down in the seats officially reserved for them. The celebratory function was hosted by Mr. Lalnghinglova Hmar, Honorary Secretary, MFA whose speech opened with, “Praise be to God. Today we have no other guests of honor but our players. We are aware of the vastness of the Indian landscape and the small state of Mizoram. From this comparison, I hope we all understand what a joy it is to be the national champion team.” The Art and Culture Department performed the traditional victory chant known as “hlado” which, in olden times was sung in honor of brave hunters to celebrate their success on their return from war and hunting. The much celebrated Mizo singer, TBC Zaithanpuia performed the song, “Ro Min Relsak Ang Che,” composed by Mr. Rokunga, which has assumed the role of a state song in the hearts of the Mizo people. Rev. Rosiama was called upon to offer a thanksgiving prayer which was followed by a stunning performance by the Mizo cardinal Choir.Mr. Lalthanzara, President of the Mizoram Football Association, delivered a speech where he said, “God, a strong government who caters to the needs of the youths and a hard working Sports Minister and a dedicated Chief Minister are the factors responsible for the victory.” Lalruathlui, the singer who sang the champion team’s theme song graced the function by singing the song, “Lalpa’n Thil Ropui Min Tih Sak E”( God has Done a Wonder For Us), which has served as a continuous chorus and an encouragement for the Mizoram team and fans during the journey towards the championship. While she sang, the players stood up and clapped their hands in excitement and were ultimately joined by the fans who sang along in harmony. Mr. Zodintluanga, the Senior Vice President of the Mizoram Olympic Association, was invited to give a speech where he said, “In 2011, the artificial turf was laid out at this very spot. I still remember the Chief Minister ‘s words that day- “The government has given you an ideal place for football; your duty from this day on is to strife harder and bring success into the turf of Mizoram”. Those words greatly challenged the Mizo youths and brought us to where we are now”, said Mr. Zodintluanga. The Mizoram Football Association brought forth a choir and proclaimed the supremity of God, after which Mr. Lal Thanhawla, Founder President MFA and President MOA took the podium. “ We are to acknowledge God, our Creator, while we are still young. We are in our prime at this moment and it is vital that we remember Him. Today’s success is only the beginning. The government is preparing a brand new world for the youths; we will be expanding our territories across Champhai and other districts. I was disappointed with only one thing after their final broadcast and that was the exclusion of our team with the trophy. I rang up the Information Broadcasting Minister immediately and even had a complaint letter drafted to him at that very moment. I was that fervent. On this day, I congratulate our team, the champions and give them my best regards. I am immensely proud of you,” said the Chief Minister. Mr. Lalbiakzuala, the Manager of Mizoram Football Team gave a short report stressing on the team’s dependence on God and once again thanked the endless support of the fans in Siliguri. A felicitation ceremony of the players took place followed by numerous gifts from different groups, associations and well- wishers. The celebratory mood continued till the night hours as the fans sang in jubilation. pics : inkhel/index.php/football/tournament/santosh-trophy/item/5823-parade-on-wednesday-for-india-champion
Posted on: Wed, 12 Mar 2014 17:48:44 +0000
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