Metba Phom, son of Kanglong of Nyang Village under Longleng District representing Nagaland at National Level in Lawn Tennis. Many of us might not be aware of who he is and we all are ignorant about his profession but silently he is shining and taking our Nagaland state higher in what way he can in a National Level. I don't know if there are any other players in the same field but Metba is a dedicated person to his profession.
While many of us were/are tight up by our phone charger and keep on fighting only in social media sitting comfortably in our luxurious home, this lad decided to do what many of us don't. Many of our parents or for this, even we keep on preaching that in our state Sports and Music has no scope, entrepreneur isn't a job etc but he has set us an good example where he believes that if we know how to use our talent than there's always a key to success.
Alumnus of Greenwood Hr. Sec. School Dimapur, Metba gave up his studies and decided to follow his heart when The All India Tennis Association (AITA) Selection committee for Northeast Region came to Nagaland and selected him to train at National Tennis Academy, sponsored by All India Tennis Association (AITA). And today he is different from all of us. He is flying when we are sleeping and whining and judging someone's weakness and shortcomings. I don't mean to make his achievements complicated but what I want to convey is, we should instead of blaming to government for unemployment take his example and explore our hidden talents.
He is not from the rich background but his determination gives him courage to face any difficulties. Let me quote his words from his sharing notes: "Well, when I started my career as an aspirant to become a professional Player, I have come a long way facing hardships and failures that I have to encounter on a daily basis. Honestly speaking, I had a strong hope that though I'm sponsored by the (AITA), the Nagaland Lawn Tennis Association (NLTA) would also somehow do their part as a concerned Association. But it wasn't to be the case. Now that I'm training and playing for 9 enduring years of Tennis, I haven't got the desired attention or assistance from the Association in particular and The Govt. Of Nagaland in General. Whereas on my personal Level of thinking, I would really encourage the Govt to lend their helping hands and assistance to the ones in the field of sports through any means. But sadly, it is still not happening right now."
I either he is blaming the association concern and government because we all know how the system and function in our state. However, on personal level, I would like to appeal the responsible association and the government to promote such dedicated and talented Youth because he may be Metba but remember he is representing all the Nagas. If we can't help to promote such person like Metba than we should also not preach much about Youth empowerment. He started his career playing first under U12, U14, U16 then follow U18. And now he is playing Men's category with centre based at Delhi Lawn Tennis Association. I think, without much help and support from any corner and a son of just an ordinary parents reaching this level should be recognized by all. Personally speaking, he is Hero for us.
Many don't mind applauding for Messi, Ronaldo, MC Kom, Tendulkar etc but we fail to do the same hospitality to our own people. (Kindly note, I don't mean to compare him with the professional players cited above but I want to say, if at least we give 2 percent to our people from what we give to them then this will keep them(Local) motivating. I know, there are also some local players doing their best even in International level, and they need our support. It is time that we also recognize our own brothers and sisters, who is trying hard to different from others in a positive way. Let us all spend two minutes to salute them all.
Kudos to them!!!
Nokchem Angth
