Four young football talents from Nagaland earn full scholarships at Minerva Academy FC Punjab

In a compelling tale of talent and determination, four young football talents hailing from Nagaland have embarked on their football journey at one of the nation’s esteemed football academies, Minerva Academy FC Punjab.

Atoi Sumi (14) and his younger sibling Kika Sumi (10), and 9-year-old Adyan Rai, all hailing from Dimapur and 8-year-old Wangsheng Konyak from Mon district, showcased their skills during a football trial organized by the renowned Minerva Club in Dimapur earlier this year.

What sets these four boys apart is the opportunity they have clinched – a remarkable achievement that has made them the first from the state of Nagaland to be granted a 100% free scholarship to the Minerva Academy FC at such a tender age.

Impressed by their ability on the field, the Minerva Academy FC has offered the quartet a two-year contract, with the possibility of extensions depending upon their performance. Beyond providing free, top-notch training, the academy has taken the responsibility of ensuring their access to quality education, exemplifying their commitment to nurturing well-rounded athletes.

The boys will be training with the ‘World Cup Batch’ of the Minerva Academy FC. The selection process for the ‘World Cup Batch’ holds tremendous significance as the academy aspires to contribute to India’s journey toward qualification and participation in the 2034 World Cup.

Speaking about these young talents, Lavoriyi Theluo, a Naga coach working at Minerva Academy, expressed profound admiration for the boys’ dedication and passion towards the game.

“Despite being miles away from home, the boys are very dedicated and passionate towards the game. They are all very talented and football is in their blood. I find them like the next Naga superstars in the making if they are nurtured and trained rightly,” Theluo told Mokokchung Times.

Father of Wangsheng Konyak, Pongshing Konyak, who has his home in Mon district, was left in awe upon visiting the Minerva Academy to accompany his only son. He recounted the experience as nothing short of extraordinary, akin to a surreal dream come true.
“It was awesome. I was quite shocked and overwhelmed once I entered the gate. It felt like a dream,” Konyak said of his experience.

The decision to enroll his son in Minerva stemmed from Konyak’s belief in the modern facilities and expert guidance provided by the academy, supplementing the early training his son received through the Khelo India programs at Mon.

The Minerva Academy FC has earned a well-deserved reputation for nurturing budding talents between the ages of 8 and 13. The academy has also recently won the Gothia Youth World Cup by making history as it became the first-ever Indian club to clinch the Gothia Cup being held in Sweden on Saturday, defeating Ordin FC, a Brazilian side.

Mokokchung Times