EXCLUSIVE: It’s about putting the right piece in the puzzle - MFA’s Tetea Hmar on football in the state

Far from the mainland state capital cities of India, Aizwal is carving its reputation as one of the leading exporters of talent booths. While Mumbai, Bengaluru and other capital cities have forged their reputation as business and IT hubs – Aizwal, the capital of Northeast state Mizoram is developing a hub of young crop of Indian football players. Lalnghinglova Hmar, fondly known as Tetea, the secretary of the Mizoram Football Association (MFA), has laid the foundation for growing the next pool of big Indian footballers with some visionary plans and ideas. Hmar spoke exclusively to WION on the changing landscape of Indian football and how Mizoram is contributing to the cause.

‘We want to be the future’

“We want to lay down a foundation for the kids as we think we have the best pool of players where everyone is open to contribute. Mizoram is the place where grassroots football started to develop in India. With the talent we have and the Naupang League now an early success this comes we want to be the future of Indian football. In years to come I hope we lay down a marker for the rest of the nation,” said Hmar while in conversation with WION.

Hmar also spoke on the infrastructure side of things as the state lacks the best facilities, but is still going toe-to-toe with the challenges to produce the best crop of young footballers.

“Yes we lack facilities of the highest qualities. The MFA done a great job in tackling this like collaborating with Reliance Foundation Young Champs for the Naupang League. In the years to come, we hope to provide the best facilities to the kids and make the state proud,” added Hmar.

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Currently, the Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) Naupang League in association with Mizoram Football Association currently operates on the football model of European clubs with more players like Bipin and Lalengmawia on the rise. The RFYC through its scouts selects children for a week-long experiential trip to the academy in Mumbai and helps nurture the young talent.

Speaking about Aizawl FC, Hmar commented, “I believe we have all the resources to make the giant stride and once again jump to reach the top flight if we can put the missing piece in the puzzle right.”

WION also spoke to MFA Chairman PC Vanlalhruaia and Secretary K. Lalenghluna as they discussed the status of football’s rise in the state. They highlighted that MFA put in great efforts to take the next step in football. Vanlalhruaia opened up the world-class facilities of the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium that are helping the kids and the state teams. They also praised the efforts made by RFYS as their efforts intend to change the landscape of football in the state. RFYS has been a revolution in the state as they have provided the necessary infrastructure for the growth of players.