Call letter received but denied interview – Former National Coach Sepak Takraw

The Directorate of Youth Affairs and Sports on January 16, issued a notification regarding the selection of a Coach for various sports disciplines, including Sepak Takraw. Anoubam Mahavir, an NIS Diploma holder in Sepak Takraw, attended an interview at the Directorate of Youth Affairs and Sports Manipur office as he had received a call letter from them. However, the Director of the YAS refused to conduct the interview, citing the upper age limit and presenting an order that outlined the age criteria for the specific post. Mahavir shared this information during a press meet at the Manipur Press Club.
Mahavir is a former International and National level Sepak Takraw player who has participated in numerous championships. He also served as the coach for the Indian Sepak Takraw team during the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, China in 2010. Expressing his confusion, Mahavir questioned why he was sent a call letter if he was not eligible for the position. He felt that this incident was detrimental to his career and found the Director’s actions suspicious. Additionally, Mahavir felt embarrassed in front of his colleagues from different sports disciplines.
The Director’s actions not only undermine Mahavir’s credibility but also reflect poorly on the entire sports community in the state. It is disheartening to witness such treatment towards a coach who has represented India in international competitions like the 16th Asian Games in China, the 2nd Sepak Takraw Championship in South Korea in 2016, and the 25th Kings Cup World Championship in 2010. If such actions are left unaddressed, Manipur, known as the Powerhouse of Sports, may face a bleak future for sports.