Indian Football and the North-East Connection

Ever since the inception of the Indian Super League in 2014, North-East United FC, the club which represents the seven north-eastern states of the country, has received a lot of support.

Ever since the inception of the Indian Super League in 2014, North-East United FC, the club which represents the seven north-eastern states of the country, has received a lot of support. The North-eastern fans are as passionate as one can get, and they have good reason to be so. Indian Football has long been bearing the fruit that’s nurtured in the North-east in the form of footballers. The first player who rose to prominence from the region was Assamese footballer Dr. Talimeran Ao who led India during 1948 Olympic games as well as had the privilege of leading the Indian contingent at the Games. Ever since then, North-eastern states have produced prominent and talented footballers that are now slowly taking over Indian Football.

The contribution of North-east to Indian football is distinctive. In the modern era, clubs like Aizawl FC and Shillong Lajong FC in the I-League and North-East United FC in the ISL have churned out immensely talent players that are now leaping to greater heights with the national side. Bhaichung Bhutia, who hails from Sikkim, helped Indian football put its stamp on the world map again. Another player that is quickly growing in stature is Jeje Lalpekhlua. The powerhouse striker from Mizoram is the highest goal scorer for Chennaiyin FC and is nicknamed the Mizo Sniper, for his abilities in front of the goal. Having won the ISL with Chennaiyin FC in 2015 & 2017 and achieved greater heights with the Indian National Team, he is slowly gaining popularity as one of the best Indian footballers of this generation.

Passion and love for the game is important but what makes North-east India a stronghold of Indian Football is the time and effort they have put in to develop the sport. Working on grassroots and honing the skill of kids at a young age is one aspect that the North-east has implemented successfully.

Two years ago, the RFYS platform was introduced with an aim to revolutionize grass-root sports and the institutes from Guwahati participated in it whole-heartedly. In the second edition of RFYS last year, the campaign spread its wings to other cities of the region as the city championship were held in Aizawl, Shillong and Imphal as well. Three teams from these cities competed in three different categories at the National Championship in Mumbai. In the Junior Boys category, Imphal’s Unique Model Academy were crowned the champions of RFYS whereas St. Anthony’s College from Shillong made it to the National Championship knockout stages in the College Boys category.

This year, RFYS took the initiative to promote sports in remote areas of the state as well. In Guwahati, the tournament will also be held in Changsair, Kokrajhar and Tangla whereas in Aizawl, the institutes from remote area of Lunglai will get a chance to showcase their talent. Places like Ri Bhoi, Jowai and Khliehriat near Shillong will also be a part of the growing RFYS region.

The North-east region has produced invaluable talent over the last few years and will continue to do so in the future. Having proved beneficial to Indian Football already, North-East India’s contribution to Indian Football will play a vital role in elevating India’s rank at the global stage.