Gouramangi Singh hails pilot wife for being a corona warrior

Former Indian national team football player Gouramangi Singh is extremely proud that his wife has come out in flying colours in India’s battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pushpanjali Potsangbam is a pilot by profession. As a Commander for Air India – the country’s flagship airline carrier – she is a part of the government’s Vande Bharat mission aimed at rescuing and bringing home stranded Indians from around the globe.

Over the past four months, Pushpanjali Potsangbam and her crew have been flying all across the world in a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Last week, she was in Laos.

“It feels good when one of your own is trying to do something for the country during a time as unprecedented as this. I understand it's a very difficult and stressful job.

“Hats off to them, my wife and all her colleagues who are on the frontline like doctors and nurses,” Gouramangi Singh told PTI.

A matter of pride

A long-standing member of the Indian national team, the Manipur defender knows a thing or two about standing tall in face of tough challenges for his country.

“I have played football for India for so many years. Wearing that jersey and singing the national anthem - it's a feeling of pride you cannot put into words. I am sure it must be the same feeling for her.

“We're happy to do our part. There are sacrifices that we made and are still making now. But in the end, it's a proud feeling.”

Challenges and concerns

Gourmangi, the 2010 All India Football Federation’s Player of the Year, however, admitted that he would be lying if he said that he wasn’t worried.

“The crew goes through a lot of stress and anxiety for their flights as not only are these flights unlike normal flights but they keep themselves isolated from their families till the third test (the one done after 5 days of arrival into base) comes negative.

“To do that once or twice is fine but they live through that week after week for the safety of their loved ones,” Gouramangi Singh told the AIFF website.

Importance of staying positive

Currently at his home in Manipur, Gourmangi also stressed the importance of staying positive and vigilant in these testing times. Pushpanjali is based in Delhi and is away from home for long periods of time.

“It is an unprecedented situation and you can either remain upset or you can look at the positives.

"From the armed forces who protect our borders to the various frontline workers such as doctors, nurses, police personnel, airline staff, etc. -- so many people are sacrificing for our sake.

“It is critical for us to follow the regulations laid down by the government and keep ourselves and our loved ones safe,” he concluded.