I thought I'll lose my family: Chinglensana Singh on how Manipur violence affected him

Chinglensana Singh also spoke about how the turf he made was destroyed.

Hyderabad FC's Chinglensana Singh, an esteemed centre-back and a valued member of the Indian national team, has put his professional career on hold to stand by his family during a time of strife in Manipur. The night of May 3, following his team's defeat against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the AFC Cup playoff match, marked a turning point in his life.

The following contains a brief of statements given by Sana about his, and his family’s current scenario in what happens to be one of the toughest times for them. While the current event has turned the tables upside-down for the talented defender from Manipur, the nation awaits for him to return to the pitch.

A Nightmare in Churachandpur

According to the statements given by the player to Sportstar, after the game, as he checked his phone, he discovered a barrage of missed calls and messages from his hometown in Churchandpur.

“When I switched on my phone after the game, there were a lot of missed calls and messages from home in Churchandpur. The moment I got back to my mom on the phone, she was crying. She said there were attacks on the houses and that their lives were under threat. I was in shock and I didn’t know how to react. It was very scary. I thought I will lose all of them. There were gunshots, attacks, and burning of houses in the neighbourhood closeby, where we reside and the houses were burnt,” remembers Sana.

Salam Ranjan Singh provides help

Amid this upheaval, Sana's family found refuge at the home of fellow footballer Salam Ranjan Singh in Bishnupur district. However, their own houses, including his parents and sister's homes, lay in ruins after the riots. Even the football turf Chinglensana Singh had set up for the children in the neighbourhood was destroyed.

Family over career

For Sana, the decision to prioritize his family over his career was clear. He withdrew from the national camp scheduled for May 15 ahead of the Hero Intercontinental Cup and the SAFF Championship, as he could not leave his loved ones amidst such turmoil. India coach Igor Stimac, and Secretary General of All India Football Federation (AIFF), Shaji Prabhakaran understood his predicament and supported his choice, promising assistance during these trying times.

He said, “I couldn’t leave my family behind to go to the camp, it would have been very difficult. I had to be here physically and be the strength for them and not by sitting on the phone. And mentally I would have been disturbed as well. If you go to play for the country, you have to be 110%. I had to look after them and be there for them. I spoke to coach Igor Stimac.”

Support from Coach, Captain and AIFF

Chinglensana Singh also spoke about the invaluable support that he has received from his teammate and captain Sunil Chhetri and the board during his difficult time. He mentioned that how Sunil understood the situation perfectly and stood by him, emphasizing the importance of family. 

Additionally, he also stated how Shaji Prabhakaran assured him of their full support and pledged to do everything possible to help him emerge stronger from this ordeal.

Currently, with curfews still in effect in Manipur, Sana is waiting for the green signal from his club, Hyderabad FC, to resume pre-season training. Meanwhile, he manages to maintain his fitness by visiting the gym in the mornings and utilizing nearby football pitches.

Talking about the tragic condition of Manipur, Sana said, "I understand that the recent events have been disheartening and heartbreaking for all communities involved, and I'm referring to every community. I know it's a challenging situation, but I hope that we can restore peace and humanity once again. I truly wish that we can return to Churchandpur and peacefully coexist together."

He added,” I hope that the Government will take necessary steps to promote peaceful coexistence among us all. This is the best solution because we mutually depend on each other; we need them as much as they need us. Manipur's diverse population comprises numerous tribes, and as a regular citizen of this state, I firmly believe that we can live together harmoniously and happily, as we have always done. Sooner rather than later, as many people are currently facing hardships."

Rebuild platform for youngsters

Despite facing personal hardships, Sana remains committed to his dream of providing opportunities for aspiring footballers in Churchandpur. Although his investments and football turf were destroyed in the riots, he aspires to rebuild and offer a platform for talented youngsters to pursue their passion for the sport.

"I am determined to rebuild and start afresh. My dream is to create a platform for aspiring youngsters and those who are financially challenged. I will hold onto that dream with unwavering hope," he mentioned.

As he perseveres through this challenging period, Sana vows to keep working hard and return to the football field. He aims to regain his spot in the Indian national team and continue playing at the highest level, all while nurturing his dream of supporting young football enthusiasts in his hometown.