Arjuna Awardee
Chinglensana Kangujam
Arjuna awardee Chinglensana Singh Kangujam (born December 2, 1991, in Manipur) is an Indian hockey player. For the Indian hockey team, he plays as a halfback. He is considered to be one of Manipur’s top hockey players. Popularly known as ‘Chinglen’.
His Background
Chinglen was first introduced to hockey when he was eight years old, in 1999, when he attended Manipur’s 5th National Games.
He received guidance from legends like Brojen Singh for a few years before being allowed to showcase his talent in the Nehru Society Tournament in the U-17 category in Delhi in 2006.
His Debut
In 2009, Chinglen began working for Indian Railways. In 2009, Indian Railways lost in the Surjit Hockey Competition semi-finals, but Chinglen was named the best player of the tournament, showing his ability.
When he was called up for the Indian Camp in 2010-11, it was a turning point in his career. Unfortunately, Chinglen was not selected for the Asian Champions Trophy in Ordos, China, in 2011.
Chinglen finally made his Champions Challenge debut in South Africa in 2011. He has been a regular component of the squad since then.
Rise To the Glory
Chinglen’s ability to set off aggressively inside the opponents’ half produced multiple breakout opportunities for the Indians.
Chinglen played a significant role in many of India’s victories, including the Silver medal in the 2013 Hockey Asia Cup.
He was also a member of the Commonwealth Games 2014 Silver winning squad in Glasgow. India finished tenth in the 2014 Hockey World Cup in the same year. He was a member of the Asian Games 2014 squad in Incheon, which won the gold medal, making it one of Chinglen’s biggest successes to date.
He proceeded to put on impressive performances. Chinglen won the 2017 Hockey Asia Cup for the second time.
The Lows
Chinglen’s first setback occurred in 2011 when he was refused entry to the Asian Champions Trophy owing to passport concerns. After making his Champions Challenge I debut in South Africa, he expressed disappointment with his performance, claiming that it was due to his lack of international experience.
Current Position
In early 2019, the Arjuna Awardee suffered a long-term injury to his right ankle, forcing him to miss all of the competitions that year.
In January 2020, he made his return to the team during FIH Hockey Pro League 2020 matches against The Netherlands, which he describes as “one of the great experiences of my life.”
Chinglensana, who has more than 200 caps for his country, says he appreciates the responsibility of developing the younger players and wants to assist the team in achieving a podium place at the Tokyo Olympics. “Having made a comeback to the team now at the FIH Hockey Pro League 2020, I am delighted because I can help the team from within, and can also guide the younger players. We have some fantastic young talent who are ready to take on the world”.