Sportswomen live a dream through Manipur Police

NEYVELI: The Bapupara police station in Imphal (Manipur) is a unique place because six Indian international women sports stars work there together.
In a state with limited employment opportunities, and where women take to sport in as many numbers as the men, the Manipur Police provides the chief employment avenue.
Like the others, Tabebi is a constable.The 31-year-old footballing veteran of over a decade joined the force through the sports quota in December 1997. Her teammates, goalkeeper Ronibala Chanu, Robita Devi, Rebika Devi and Ibeyaima report to the Thoubal police station some distance away.
But even though it is a job that revolves around crime, Tababi abhors the violence that has scarred her state. "I don't like violence,' she says, adding, "I get deeply saddened by the violence that happens in Manipur."
So football is the release. Knowing she speaks for her tribe, Tabebi reveals with a shy smile, "I try not to go to the station that often. Practice takes away most of my time. And if there's a tournament, then I'm away." Then she adds, "Of course, we are called if some important VIP is coming and they need police personnel."
How is it working alongside a world champion? "It is an everyday thing," shrugs Tabebi, of rubbing shoulders with the diminutive Mary Kom, and adds, "Even Mary Kom didn't start out just as a boxer. She too played football. I like to watch boxing but football was the only game for me. What can I say, I fell in love with football," says Tabebi.