Imphal

I met her for the first time at National Sports Academy, preparing for the Commonwealth Games.

"You are from North East, right? I've heard it's beautiful," I tried to strike up a conversation.

She smiled, "I'm from Imphal. North East is a direction, not a city."

There was an unparalleled dedication in her practice sessions. "Seems you will earn a number of Golds this season," I winked.

"I have to. Today, I'm just a girl from North East. A Gold for my country, and I'll be hailed as an Indian athlete. Indian - that's the identity I need, and deserve."

#99wordsfiction


Shared with

• AtoZChallenge: Letter I