Transgender Football - The Revolution Is Inevitable

Challenging the archaic theory of binaries in sport, India's first transgender football from Manipur is firmly putting the north-east and trans rights on the country's map.

- Sadaf Shaikh

LEG DAY From left: On Miller Khuman: T-shirt, shorts; both ADIDAS X GUCCI. Shoes, ONITSUKA TIGER. On Suma: Jacket, shorts; both ADIDAS X GUCCI

It’s a balmy weekend in Manipur. A group of young boys is kitted out in matching jerseys, fluorescent bibs and knee-length socks, chasing after an elusive ball that seems to have a mind of its own. One of them finally traps the slippery orb between his feet and proceeds to send it sailing across the goalpost. The other players gather around their champion, slapping his back and breaking into a chorus of cheers. The scene itself isn’t all that exceptional; each of us has witnessed a soccer match in progress at least once in our lives, either on TV or at the many public spaces around our homes. But what sets these players apart is a simple yet powerful distinction: together, they comprise India’s first transgender football team.

Top row, from left, on Begum Sahiba: Shirt, NAUSHAD ALI. Trackpants, ADIDAS X GUCCI. On Christi Thokchom: Jacket, shorts; both ADIDAS X GUCCI. On Thoi Khumukcham: Vest, H&M STUDIO. Corset, KANIKA GOYAL. On Suma: Jacket, ADIDAS X GUCCI. On Miller: T-shirt, shorts; both ADIDAS X GUCCI. Middle row, from left: On Priyanka Yumkhaibam: Shirt, cap; both MARNI X UNIQLO. Shoes, FILA. On Dit Mangang: T-shirt, SHANTANU & NIKHIL. Shorts, KARDO. On Iso Moirangthem: Shirt, shorts; both NAUSHAD ALI. Leggings, KANIKA GOYAL. On Naobi Chingakham: Top, shorts; both NAUSHAD ALI 1 GB X ¹9