From a Music Lover to a Grade II National Umpire
After deeply getting impressed by how middle-aged men play actively in some local level tournament, Imti got motivated to learn this game and subsequently started devoting his time in improving his skills.
Growing up in Dimapur, Imtilong Lonkumer of Changki village initially studied music (drums) in Asha International Academy, New Delhi. However, in 2012, taking an interest in badminton, he began his journey with the court game which, only after years of struggle, in 2018, he was qualified as a Grade II National Umpire under Badminton Association of India (BAI).
Today, he travels across India to execute his assignments as entrusted by the Badminton Association of India (BAI). He remains grateful to the All Nagaland Badminton Referee & Umpires Association (ANBRUA) and Nagaland Badminton Association (NBA) for helping him stand where he is today.
Here is his short conversation with Mokokchung Times.
MT: Hello Along, is it just Badminton or do you have any other sports that you love?
Along: Well, hi, I like playing football too. In fact, before I committed myself to badminton, I had played football in some local tournaments and I love angling too.
MT: Do you maintain a specific diet or any other nutritional plan when you’re getting in shape for sports?
Along: As of now, I don’t have any strict diet/nutritional plan but I do make sure that I take protein-rich foods and keep myself well-hydrated. I also take multivitamins pills.
MT: You have been qualified for the State Umpire in 2015. Kindly share with us whether you had any challenges during the process or not? Were there any specific mentors that trained you?
Along: Yes, I struggled to make my own expenses for the qualification process. One such unfortunate incident would be that my black pants went missing on the day the qualification for the State Umpire was going on. Fortunately, Sir T. Molung Aier, ANBRUA president, personally purchased it for me, and with that I got qualified in the process.
There are some mentors worthy to be mentioned; C.Tinu Pongen, 1st National Grade II Umpire of Nagaland who always encouraged and guided me during the whole process; T. Molung Aier, President of ANBRUA; T. Bendang Chang, Secretary of ANBRUA who guided me in preparing for the workshops and examination of State Umpire conducted by Sir Gyaneswor Singh, International Referee, with the permission and approval of NBA; Dr.Watizulu Suzumeren Jamir, Vice-president BAI for always supporting me in my endeavors.
MT: Are there any coaches or athletes that you look up to as a role model? How about your family, were they supportive?
Along: Well, yes, I do. Lee Chong Wei, Malaysian former world No 1 badminton player; Joseph Sumi- fifteen times Nagaland Badminton champion (Doubles for 10 years) and 12 times single champion in the Northeast circuit.
And yes, my family has been the pillar of my support from the beginning.
MT: What advice will you provide to a Badminton beginner? Share some tips and tricks.
Along: Life is like a Badminton match. If you want to win, Serve well, Return well, Play cool and remember that the game starts with “Love All”.
Some Advises I can suggest are: Warm-up properly, don’t grip the racket too tightly, choose the right racket, don’t play in running shoes, join a club, be disciplined and lastly, enjoy!
MT: And Congratulations for clearing Grade II National Umpire under BAI. Do enlighten us with the kind of experiences you have faced while you travelled across India.
Along: Clearing Grade II National Umpire was one of the most beautiful and accomplishing experiences I ever had. It was very challenging but nonetheless rewarding. To be precise, interacting with new people, getting exposed to diverse cultures, different food habits, amazing places and wonderful hospitality are some of the memorable experiences I got while travelling all over India. Most importantly, from the platforms that I share with my colleagues while doing the assignment, it gives me the opportunity to amass my knowledge on umpiring skills.
MT: Do you think sports in Nagaland can make a career?
Along: To be honest, it is very difficult but it is not impossible. Unlike other states in India, here, there are no proper academies for different sports here in Nagaland. This makes it harder for the sports persons to further hone or refine their skills. A talented and disciplined sports person can definitely have a career in Nagaland provided the Govt. support him/her. To encourage youth to pursue sports as a career, the government can take some spaces such as by keeping some sports quota reservation in government sectors, giving sponsorships etc.
MT: What do you see yourself accomplishing in five or ten years?
Along: I hope to become an International Umpire and a Referee in the coming years with the blessings of the Almighty and with the prayers and support from my well-wishers.
MT: Any words you want to put forward to our Readers?
Along: “LOVE ALL”