“If you’re dreaming to become a footballer, don’t get distracted by the current situation of our state;
keep working hard, never lose hope, and never compare yourself to anyone.”
– Lironthung Lotha
Lirongthung Lotha, son of Lidemo Jami and a native of Chudi village started playing football at an age as early as eight when he was in class 3 and today, he is a professional Indian football player from Merapani, Wokha.
Acquiring his nursery education from Don Bosco School, Merapani village, he went to Montfort School, Baghty , and after getting selected in SAI Golaghat Assam, he became a student of K.K.B.B School, Golaghat.
Initial days were hard for Liron as he struggled to find support from his parents regarding his football career but eventually, his parents became his greatest support and today, he is a recipient of ‘Northeast Unsung Heroes Red Carpet Award- 2021’ for his significant contribution to sports where he imparted training to some 20 odd children when activities of life and sports had been paused during the Covid-19 pandemic.
This initiative was taken up out of his love for the game and his desire to help the young footballers hone their basic football skills and prevent them from struggling as he did.
He was also seen captaining the Wokha team in the recently concluded Dr. T. Ao Trophy in Mokokchung while in the ongoing Kohima Super Cup 2022, he is seen playing for Aphuyemi FC.
In an attempt to know the personality behind the footballer, here is Mokokchung Times’ exclusive interview with him.
MTimes: Hello Liron, congratulations on winning the North East Unsung Heroes Award. You very well deserved it. How are you feeling?
Liron: Firstly, Thank you. I feel blessed and excited to have received the Award. My intention for the social work (helping the kids during the Lockdown) was not to gain any attention, but it all went according to God’s will. I thank God for all the guidance.
MTimes: So, what have you been up to these days?
Liron: I’m just working harder for tomorrow. To keep myself active I participate in every tournament during this off season, but soon I will be leaving for my next assignment.
MTimes: Speaking of the tournament how was your experience like in the recently concluded Dr. T. Ao Trophy?
Liron: My experience was great, and this was my second participation for the Dr. T. Ao trophy. Though my district couldn’t make it for the final race we did our best till the last match. I would also like to thank the people of Mokokchung for their great support and love throughout the tournament.
MTimes: Why don’t you tell us a little more something about yourself?
Liron: I’m a Footballer by profession. It was never an easy journey to reach where I am today, it took me many challenges. But I never lost hope from God. He is the only way maker in my journey. This is just my beginning; I have more tasks to do for my future. Keep supporting me.
MTimes: Kindly walk us through when and how you fell in love with football and the journey involved in how you ended up where you are today.
Liron: My journey is quite a long story; I have always loved football since my childhood days. I began my career when I was selected from SAI (Sports Authority of India) Golaghat, Assam . After my SAI Golaghat, Assam I got an opportunity for a trial in Mohan Bagan Academy Kolkata, where I got selected and I trained for 3years. That’s how I began my journey. It was never an easy journey; it took me a lot of sacrifice, hardwork and dedication to reach where I am today.
MTimes: What has been your greatest challenge while pursuing this football career?
Liron: There are many but particularly after my completion in SAI Golaghat, I went to Kolkota all alone, by train to give my trial in Mohan Bagan Academy. It was scary and quite risky but I felt the need to do it for my survival.
MTimes: If not football, what do you think will you be doing?
Liron: At my very young age I was into football and there was no gap in between, so, there was never a time to think about what I would be doing if I was not a footballer. So, frankly, I have no idea.
MTimes: Do you have a favorite player at the moment? Who has been your biggest inspiration?
Liron: From the time of my beginning as a footballer, my favorite was C. Ronaldo. My inspiration will be Dr. T. Ao , though I didn’t see him play , he was the 1st Naga to step into national football, and paved a way for people like me. I am trying to follow his footsteps.
MTimes: What is it about the football game that you enjoy the most?
Liron: Football is a highly competitive and loved sport in the world. Football brings suspense and surprise for the viewers. It is a game of pressure and excitement.
MTimes: What has been your biggest achievement in your life?
Liron: There are many but particularly my journey with Mohan Bagan, debut in I-League and winning the Northeast Unsung Heores are some.
MTimes: Would you agree that the government is now changing their attitude towards football or any other sports in general? What do you think we, as a society, should do more in promoting sports?
Liron: I’m only focused on football, so let me say this, it is very sad to see our state as compared to our neighboring states in terms of football. They have all the basic amenities and we’re lacking. We don’t need a stadium; we just need a good ground where we can play. We Nagas have Talent; we just need basic amenities. A good football ground is where we begin everything.
MTimes: What is your secret to keeping yourself fit and healthy?
Liron: My secret will be shared one fine day.
MTimes: A message to any inspiring footballer reading this.
Liron: My message would be if you’re dreaming to become a footballer, don’t get distracted by the current situation in our state, keep working hard, never lose hope, never compare yourself to anyone . Hard work and God makes everything possible. Every great player in the world once played without a ground in the beginning of their career. I pray and believe that one day Nagaland will produce many good players. Let’s all support and pray for one another. Kuknalim!
Clubs he has played for:
Roundglass Punjab FC
Mohun Bagan (U-19 team) Football Academy,
Mohamaden Sporting Club (Kolkata) and
Churchill Brothers FC (Goa)