Young men with dreams fought their way to gold.
In the just concluded Aireng Season 2 held at Shillong, Meghalaya, two young men from Lamka realised their dream of having gold medals. The story of perseverance and resilience warms the hearts of the Zo people amid the violence and challenges in Manipur.
The following is the inspiring success story of Mr Thangsuanmuan Zou (15 years old), the son of Mr Thanghaulun, a resident of Zion Veng, Rengkai—now a Kick Boxing Semi Pro Gold medalist and Mr. Liannun Suantak (17 years old), the son of Mr. Khamlianmang, a resident of Compound Veng, Lamka — now an amateur MMA Gold Medalist.
As the airport in Imphal has remained inaccessible since May 2023, the duo began their journey from Lamka on June 1, 2024, with a strenuous journey to Shillong through Aizawl by bus. Despite all the challenges, they went with an invincible dream. After more than 24 hours of travel, they reached Shillong.
There were many uncertainties in the beginning. Finance was one of the foremost, and there was also the apprehension of sending young men across the State borders on a long journey to another State for their first. However, the moral and financial support rendered by the local community enabled them to turn their dreams into reality. The coach and owner of Genesis Mix Martial Arts (MMA) Mang Guite told the Fieldnotes team that the achievements were made possible due to the community coming together to support their dream and standing behind them; as their crowdfunding poster reads, ‘Fuel their dreams: Stand behind Liannun & Thangsuanmuan at Aireng season 2’.
The coach highlighted the emotional story of how dreams were transformed into reality in Meghalaya due to the unwavering support of the community of well-wishers. The two fighters also expressed their pleasure on being given the opportunity to pursue their dreams.
This is the first competition fight for Thangsuanmuan Zou, whereas it is the third for Liannun Suantak. Liannun Suantak had his first competition fight at Imphal in 2022. However, unlike their fight in Shillong this time, the tribal fighters who participated in the competitions were often robbed of the game. The coach of Genesis MMA reiterated to the Fieldnotes team that discrimination against the tribals, especially the Zo community in Manipur, extended even to games and sports, where merits mean less in Manipur than the ethnic identity of the individuals. He recounted how, unless the rivals were knocked out in the arena, the judges who belonged to the majority community would often unfairly award points. He also expressed how the Aireng Season 2 provided them with a new glimmer of hope.
Their success reminds us of the spirit of never giving up, never surrendering, and rising against the odds.