18-year-old Mengulhoukho Chalieu, a goalkeeper from Nagaland United FC, is a young and hardworking footballer with big dreams. In an interview, he shared about his journey, challenges, and hopes for the future.
Mengulhoukho started playing football at the age of 13. “Football makes me happy and gives me confidence,” he said. He enjoys being a goalkeeper and helping his team by protecting the goal.
His biggest inspiration is his older brother, Neithovilie Chalieu, who also plays as a goalkeeper for Shillong Lajong, a professional club in the I-League. “He worked hard to reach his dream, and I want to follow him,” Mengulhoukho said.
He is thankful for his family and relatives, who support him with prayers, financial help, and good wishes. “They are proud of me,” he added.
Mengulhoukho trains almost every day. His routine includes warm-ups, fitness work, goalkeeper drills, and team practice. He also watches football matches to learn more.
Balancing studies and football is not always easy. “During exams, I get less time to train, but I try to manage my time properly,” he said. He has faced injuries before, but with the help of his coach, family, and doctors, he was able to recover and return to training.
He is proud to play for Nagaland United FC and remembers the Under-20 tournament in Chhattisgarh as his best experience so far, where he represented Nagaland. “It was a proud moment for me,” he shared.
His short-term goal is to improve his skills and play in more national-level matches. His dream is to become a professional footballer and one day play for India. “If I get a chance, I want to represent all the Naga people,” he said.
His message to young people who want to play football: “Work hard, be disciplined, and never give up. If we try our best, we can achieve our dreams.”
Mengulhoukho Chalieu is a rising football talent from Nagaland, and he hopes to make his state and country proud one day.
