Seven youths from Mokokchung have taken significant steps to uplift grassroots football in the district. Nokzenzoba, Chasü, Temjentoshi, Metsübo, Mayangnok, Kumsangpong, and Odiyanger are on a noble mission to foster budding football talent from the Kichutip Ward, Mokokchung, comprising 18 enthusiastic children aged 7 to 14.
Their dedication involves securing access to the Mojabi futsal turf in Salangtem Ward every Saturday and during holidays, with a payment of Rs 1000 per hour, and investing in training sessions lasting a minimum of two hours each. This collective initiative has led to the establishment of a football league for the children, which officially kicked off on February 10, 2024.
The budding footballers have been organized into three teams: Team Buckeyes, led by Imtinok, 13; Kickers, led by Noksenkumba, 14; and Little Rascals, led by Moalijen, 12.
Originally coming together for recreational purposes, the seven friends realized the potential to make a broader impact by redirecting their efforts towards nurturing the younger generation. Their observation of a lack of successful sports persons emerging from the ward, coupled with a decline in the senior football team’s success rate in Mokokchung, motivated them to initiate this project with the aim of cultivating future talent.
Impact on Children and society
Azo, a key figure in the initiative highlighted the historically limited participation of Kichutip Ward in inter-ward football tournaments, with negligible engagement in inter-ward volleyball competitions. The group hopes that their training efforts will yield improved outcomes for the ward in future sporting events.
Speaking to Mokokchung Times, Chasü expressed aspirations for the initiative’s evolution, stating that they envision professional coaching and sponsorship opportunities in the future, basing upon its continued success.
Furthermore, Chasü highlighted the initiative’s positive impact on the children, fostering a healthier lifestyle by encouraging outdoor activities and reducing dependence on technology.
“It has somehow helped them become more disciplined, more punctual, and has been crucial in their timetable management,” observed Chasü. “Parents have been saying that because the children want to make it to the game, the children have taken their own responsibility to study,” added Azo.
As the aspirations of the young footballers soar, dreams of professional careers emerge. Imponger Longchar, a 12-year-old admirer of Cristiano Ronaldo, shared his ambitions to pursue football professionally, while acknowledging his parents want him to become “an officer”.
Similarly, Moalijen, aged 12 and a fan of Kylian Mbappé, expressed his growing interest in the game, particularly enjoying the opportunity to play on a quality ground adorned in jersey and boots. Serving as the captain for Little Rascals, Moalijen reflected on his progress, stating, “I have learned to pass the ball better and understand concepts like offside and onside.”
It may be noted that Chasü and Mayangnok also play for the Mokokchung Friday League and, therefore, the team relies on their knowledge and experience regarding the technical aspects of the game.
7-year-old Imnatoshi of Kickers club said being a fan of Lionel Messi, he loved playing the football game. “Earlier we used to play at a friend’s house. They used to have a compound so we played there. But now, I love playing here on the ground,” the 7-year-old said.
Parental perspectives
Burlemba, a parent of one of the children, expressed, “Our children are deeply passionate about the game, and upon learning of the positive initiative taken by the youths, several parents, including myself, collectively decided to encourage our children’s participation.”
According to Burlemba, the initiative has made children more enthusiastic about academic study because they have a fear that if they don’t study, they will not be sent to the ground.
When queried about the potential of sports as a career for their children, Burlemba replied, “As of now, we haven’t delved into such considerations. While we wholeheartedly support their sporting interests, we haven’t explored it as a professional pursuit.”
Regarding the impact of governmental efforts to promote sports, Burlemba remarked, “The influence of such initiatives hasn’t yet permeated Mokokchung, so it’s difficult to assess any noticeable change in attitude.”
Alemwati, another parent, voiced concerns, stating, “Even if children aspire to pursue sports professionally, Nagaland lacks notable success stories in this regard. Thus, parents remain uncertain, with academics still holding greater importance.”
Alem emphasized the necessity for adequate infrastructure and a comprehensive sports policy to enable sports to be considered a viable career option in Nagaland.
When asked about their perspective on certain government initiatives such as hosting the Khelo India University Games and the opening of grassroots football academies, Alem said, “These are good initiatives, but I am still skeptical about it,” he added.
Broader context and challenges
In the broader context, the central government’s announcement on March 6, 2024, declaring Khelo India medal winners eligible for government jobs, underscores the growing support for sports in the country. Additionally, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has unveiled plans to bolster grassroots football through initiatives like the National Grassroots Football Day and the Blue Cubs Programme.
Nagaland, too, is witnessing strides in sports infrastructure development, with projects such as the Rs 5 crore football ground projects under Khelo India, inaugurated in Lakhuti village, and the inauguration of multidisciplinary indoor sports facilities across different districts by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio including the latest virtual inauguration by Union Minister Anurag Thakur.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain, as emphasized by parents like Burlemba and Alemwati, who stressed the need for adequate infrastructure and a comprehensive sports policy to transform sports into a viable career option in Nagaland.