Mechievilie Yashü from Nagaland has officially become a national football referee. After clearing the AIFF Level 5 referee exam held in April at Laxmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE), Gwalior, Yashü has also successfully completed the practical examination. This final step involved officiating in a recognized AIFF tournament, confirming his status as a national referee (All India Football Federation).
“First of all, all glory and honor to my God Almighty for His faithfulness. He guides me through, He is my rock, and it is through His grace I could come this far. My sincere gratitude goes out to my mentor, Sir Joy Chandra Singh, referee instructor, AIFF, for believing in me and not giving up on me. I would also like to thank Sir Kevingulie Sekhose, HOR Nagaland, for being very supportive and giving me ample opportunity to go forward,” Yashü tells MT.
“My gratitude also goes out to the president of KDFRA (Kohima District Referee Association) and his colleagues for standing strong with me and guiding me through. The Nagaland Football Association (NFA) and Kohima District Football Association (KDFA) also deserve a big thank you for the opportunities they gave me.
I would also like to share a little thank-you note to my friends and well-wishers who have contributed financially, morally, prayerfully, and even those who called to wish me the best. Those little deeds boosted me and gave me the courage to go on.
It would be failing on my part if I did not thank my family, who have been my strongest supporters and have always stood strong for me.
I remain grateful to every one of you,” added Yashü.
Expressing how it feels to be a national referee, Yashü said, “Being called a national referee is indeed an exhilarating and fulfilling experience. It comes with a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that I have paved the way for others to follow.” He added that it also comes with a lot of pressure and responsibility, as a standard for others to follow is being set. “I also take it as an opportunity to make a positive impact in the field of Nagaland football fraternity and leave a lasting legacy,” he added.
Regarding his next plans, Yashü says he looks forward to taking up opportunities that come his way and working harder to make himself a better referee in the process. He also says that it has always been his dream to improve the “history of football in Nagaland.” “As a referee, I will give my best to work and set a greater standard for the upliftment of referee welfare and also work to bring our people at par with the rest of the football community.”
When asked if it was hard to achieve the distinction of being the first national referee from Nagaland, Yashü calmly said that there is nothing that comes easy.
Yashü highlighted how his journey was made possible because of the contributions and support of many people.
“It was possible because Sir Joy constantly taught and his guidance was always around. The HOR and NFA gave the clearances and didn’t give up, which was why I could go forward. The KDFRA allowed and supported me as I undertook the journey. It was a journey where everyone contributed to making it a success.”
To the aspiring referees from Nagaland, Yashü said, “Hard work always pays. It takes discipline and consistency, respect, and also the desire to learn to achieve anything that comes your way.”