In the Noklak district of Nagaland, the passion for football has always burned brightly, and for one local football enthusiast, it has become a driving force behind his career and aspirations. Meet Longkhoi, a 28-year-old footballer from Noklak town, who not only cherishes the beautiful game but has now taken it upon himself to provide opportunities for young football lovers in the region through ‘My Sports Hub.’
Longkhoi’s love affair with football began at a tender age, finding inspiration in his father, a skilled footballer who secured a state job through his talent on the pitch. Fueled by this love and admiration, Longkhoi spent his childhood playing football with friends in the neighborhood, honing his skills through self-training. Today, he plays as a center striker in local tournaments, adding his own chapter to Noklak’s football legacy.
In a conversation with the Mokokchung Times, Longkhoi expressed concern over the lack of opportunities for junior footballers in Noklak. He said, “Earlier, a lot of tournaments used to be held, but these days we don’t get to see many of them. This year, I hear a football tournament will be organized. We used to have lots of senior footballers, but nowadays, the seniors do not play much. However, we have lots of junior footballers.”
Highlighting his football journey, Longkhoi revealed that his passion for the sport led him to drop out of school in class 10, with the sole ambition of becoming a professional footballer. Although he gave a trial at the Dimapur state academy, he faced disappointment when he wasn’t selected. Undeterred, Longkhoi decided to take matters into his own hands, continuing to train and develop his skills independently. He said, “I could not focus on anything because I only wanted to be a footballer.”
Amidst his football pursuits, Longkhoi recognized a pressing need in the local community – young football enthusiasts lacked proper gear, such as football jerseys, balls, and boots. This realization sparked the idea for ‘My Sports Hub,’ a shop dedicated to meeting these needs and supporting the dreams of aspiring footballers.
When asked about the motivation behind opening ‘My Sports Hub,’ Longkhoi explained his desire to make football accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial constraints. The store offers a range of affordable and branded football equipment, with prices varying between Rs. 4000 and 5000, catering to diverse budgets. He said, “To be honest, the business is not doing well because many of us cannot afford costly branded stuff. Therefore, I have accommodated both affordable as well as branded stuff.”
Longkhoi’s venture, ‘My Sports Hub,’ is not a solitary pursuit. His younger brother, Pucho, aged 23, shares his passion for football and has also chosen to forgo formal education to pursue a football career. Together, the brothers operate the shop, driven by their love for the beautiful game and a determination to empower local football enthusiasts.