The Emerging Star Of Arunachal

Football has been a significant part of my life since I was a child. What started as a simple hobby, soon became a passion. I still remember those early days in fourth grade at boarding school when we had only one football for everyone to play with during our free classes or physical education periods. Everything changed for me when my brother gifted me my first pair of football shoes in seventh grade. I fell in love with the game and began to spend every day practising and honing my skills. Eventually, football became more than just a game to me; it was a form of meditation that consumed me entirely.

I spent countless hours practising and dedicating myself to becoming the best football player I could be. All the hard work paid off when I started playing professionally three years ago. I was overjoyed when I became the first sportsperson from my state, Arunachal Pradesh, to be selected for the I-League. However, getting here has not been easy. Football is not widely recognised or supported in Arunachal, so I had to rely on my determination and love for the game to propel myself forward. I received some guidance from local and state-level coaches, and simultaneously watched matches and practised by myself. 

Recognising the limited scope for football in Arunachal Pradesh, I decided to seek training opportunities outside the state to hone my skills further. Once life returned to normalcy after the COVID-19 pandemic, a friend and I explored opportunities outside our state. We wanted to experience football in a professional setting. After scouring the web and social media, we stumbled upon the Rajasthan United Academy, which offered a partial scholarship. Convincing my parents wasn't easy, but with some persuasion, they agreed to support my decision. Joining the sports academy was a turning point in my life. I immersed myself in learning and soon found myself making rapid progress. It wasn't long before I earned a spot in the senior team, and I knew that I had found my calling.

Introducing sports as a subject in schools from an early age, as mandated by the New Education Policy is an essential thing in developing a nation towards sporting success. It will allow children to explore their interests and have more choices in both academics and sports. However, the lack of infrastructure and coaching in sports has been a common issue across many states. For instance, in Arunachal Pradesh, there are numerous academic boarding schools, but only a few sports academies. The government needs to intervene and provide coaches and facilities for sports in schools, just as there are teachers for academic subjects. Even one well-equipped sports academy in each state could make a significant difference, providing a foundation in sports from a young age and making it easier for individuals to pursue their sporting passions as they grow older. 

Grassroots programmes are crucial for the development of any country's sports. They are the reason why countries excel at international platforms. Last year, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) initiated programmes to ensure sports infrastructure in India from the grassroots level. While I'm glad to see these efforts by the AIFF in this direction, the initiatives need to pick up pace, given the huge gap that has existed for a long time in the infrastructure, slowing the country’s international success. As India looks to tap into the huge talent pool of the country in sports, determinedly implementing grassroots programmes is crucial for the future of not just football but all sports in India. Such initiatives will help us catch up and compete more successfully at a global level. 

Sports can lead individuals to great personal success, especially in individual sports. However, in team sports, each member must excel and support one another, making it challenging yet rewarding. Proper programmes, coaches, and infrastructure are essential for team sports, making them more difficult to cultivate a culture of than individual sports. In individual sports, you can progress on your merit, but in a team, everyone needs to grow together. Although India has many talented individuals in sports, success as a team requires collective effort and development. But appropriate infra and support will highlight the country in team sports internationally. The significant role of the government's focus and investment is visible in the immense progress made in sports like kabaddi and cricket. Today, these sports with amazing facilities and support stand as an example for other sporting federations in the country.

Audience popularity and following play another crucial role in the development of a sport.  With a young audience, sports is garnering rapid popularity in India, reporting an increase in audience across various sports. Sports like cricket and kabaddi have a huge following in India, and the success of Indian teams in these sports is inspiring a new generation of athletes. Other sports like football and archery are also gaining popularity. The trend of more people watching converts to creating an interest in playing and participating, ultimately improving the standard of players coming from a country. 

Football, although growing in popularity in recent years, has historically lagged. However, the Indian Super League (ISL) has provided a platform for Indian players to showcase their talent, and foreign players have added to the league's appeal. Coaches from around the world are bringing their expertise, enhancing the skills of Indian players and raising the overall standard of football in the country. While tournaments like the tri-nation series won by India show progress, the true test is in competitions like the Asia World Cup qualifiers. To compete globally, India needs to progress faster. Qualifying for the World Cup and competing well on that stage is a goal that many Indians aspire to. 

Additionally, Indian football has garnered international exposure and attention globally in recent times, with people in other countries starting to appreciate the progress that India has made. Looking ahead, there is hope that India will continue to progress and establish itself as a formidable force in world football. With continued effort and development, Indian football has the potential to rise to that level.

My journey in professional football has been an incredible experience. In just three years, I have achieved a level of progress that might seem impossible to many. I believe my hard work on and off the field, combined with a bit of luck, has played a crucial role in my success. Winning the award for Best Emerging Player in the I-League was a surreal moment for me. At first, it seemed unbelievable, but when it sank in, I was overjoyed. The support and happiness of family and friends, and congratulatory messages on social media have motivated me to work even harder.

I owe a great deal to my family, whose support has been crucial in my journey. In India, pursuing academics and stable paying jobs used to be the only accepted career option. But over time, I have noticed a significant shift in Indian society's perception of sports as a viable career option, especially after witnessing Indian athletes achieve remarkable success and gain international recognition. The inspiring stories of successful Indian sportspersons have contributed to changing society's outlook. I was fortunate that my parents also believed in me and supported my decision to pursue sports as a career.

My journey to professionalism and visibility in the news has made me a role model for my town and the state of Arunachal Pradesh, where many are active on social media. I have had parents reach out to me seeking advice on how to get their kids into sports academies. It's gratifying to see this shift in mindset, and I hope to see more young athletes from Arunachal Pradesh and across India pursue their dreams in sports. Because that in turn is set to inspire more. 

My ultimate goal, like any other sportsman, is to represent the National team and make my country proud. I want to encourage aspiring young athletes to pursue their dreams. It's essential to communicate with your parents about your passion for sports and seek their support. Trying out a new sport is not a final decision; if it doesn't work out, you can always return to your studies. But if you're interested in sports, you must try at least once. I also urge parents to support their children's interests, not only in academics but also in sports and cultural activities. It's crucial for kids to stay away from negative influences and maintain discipline. Discipline is key in sports; it garners respect and ensures consistency. Consistency, in turn, is vital for success in sports. So, my message to kids is simple: stay disciplined, stay focused, and pursue your dreams with determination.