Beyond Passion and Chant: Football as a Profession

Tuensang district recently concluded as host to 23rd Dr. T Ao Trophy and was crown as champion of Nagaland’s only inter-district football tournament. The culture of sporting spirit in the district shone throughout the event, from the inception of the game at Loyem Memorial Astro Turf Ground on September 19, as Nagaland Chief Minister Shri Neiphiu Rio addressed the gathering and encouraged the packed ground to follow Dr. T Ao’s footsteps; urged the people to excel in the field of sports and pledged government’s commitment to enhance playground of the district and sports infrastructure in all districts. The sporting event stretched over two weeks. To successfully host this cup is not just a symbol of triumph as it was hosted in the eastern district for the first time. It was altogether a collective emotional experience of resilience as it came as a breath of fresh air after the district grappled with natural disaster for months, rendering many homeless. Landslides washed away many houses, forcing several families to seek shelter from district disaster management authority and temporary shelter provided by state government for the affected. Along with families in distress, the citizens of the town were troubled over the possible recurrence of natural disaster even as they hope for the better and safer days ahead.

In an impressive show, people thronged to witness talented players from across the state taking part in the tournament, making it altogether a memorable experience. People of the district have been anticipating this tournament, as they could not go to other districts to watch the games, said Nungsang Chang, President of Chang Sports Association. Doso C of Sao Chang College said that ‘it feels good that the people of eastern districts and the rest of Nagas had come together and built friendship and career through sports’. Playing football needs resilience, fitness, discipline and rigorous training to excel. It must have been a challenge for the players as they travelled13-14 hours to reach the venue after many days of practice in their respective home districts. For some players, however, it could be only three to four days of trial session before they pack up for the final journey to the host district. For some districts, the delay in selection process left both the coaches and players disappointed. To play in any tournament, the bare minimum practice time is months but many districts couldn’t do that. On visible low performance for some districts, Medo, match commissioner and chairman of referee board, said that ‘many had put their foot on (artificial) turf for the first time, because of which many found difficult to adjust the ball control, speed and agility. The host Tuensang is the few fortunate districts in the state to have a ground with artificial grass for over a year now, and they proved that if provided with proper facility, platform and opportunity, one can excel in sports. To present an equal opportunity, so as to enable them to excel in the sports, would entail the government to provide equally good and basic sports facilities such as standard playground and stadium, which is accessible to all including persons with disabilities in every district, in order to empower them to compete in an equal footing in competitive sports. In the past as well as today, regardless of the challenges and the odds, there were several talented sportsmen and women who had emerged from the grassroots level and represented the region, state and the nation in the international stage, and brought laurels; for instance Hokato Hotozhe Sema in the recent Paralympic Games 2024 in Paris. They will continue to inspire our younger generation and sports lovers in general. In the past, however, it is lamentable that many talented players who had once brought honour were not given proper acknowledgement and recognition for their dedication in sports; they were made to fade without providing necessary support after being in the limelight for years. This is not something positive for the upcoming young players who would want to pursue a career in the field of sports, as well as to parents who could not muster the courage to support their children to pursue sports, but rather focus on studies. This apprehension is legitimate after having experienced the murky shadows of their predecessors in sports. Lemchiu, who is doing B.A 1st semester at SCC, is struggling to cope with his studies while playing football. The footballer, who is currently playing for Waza FC in the ongoing 32nd Loyem Memorial Trophy in Tuensang, shared the concern of his parents, who frequently emphasised to focus on his studies and not on football. ‘Whenever I ask for assistance to buy books, they (parents) immediately send me the amount, but if I ask financial assistance to buy any sports kit, they are reluctant to send me the money. Necessary sport kits, treating injuries and fitness management is expensive, but I am grateful to the authority, my teachers from high school and higher secondary, and now college for taking trouble and allowing me to re-write the tests, assignments and exams, and granting leave when I apply to play in the match,’ he said. Every players who are striving to make it big should get their fair share to overcome the odds. However, Puto shared that he is planning to go back to his village and help his parents in the field. For him, there is no time to practice during the day as all his friends go to the field and come back late in the evening.

Apparently, the challenges and role of a good coach, referee and team manager is equally vital to excel in sports as they play an important role in identifying talent and catching them young to groom, coach, refine and equip them using their professional and trained experience in tune with the changing aspect and pattern of the game.

On successful completion of the sporting event, the players and officials had complimented the host district and its officials for their generosity and hospitality. Football Association Phek District president Colo Mero had emphasised how sharing, helping and ‘collective support of the community could carry forward football game to higher level, together with talent and passion’ of the players. This was the final message from Kakhevi Assumi of Niuland district team to the host district: ‘Thank you Tuensang for being an exemplary host; for warmly cheering us throughout the game, even when the trophy gets over, continuing to support the players and let this sport spirit continue to guide the people.’ ‘To the viewers, eastern people, thank you for believing in us and we hope that more opportunities will come to us,’ said Shamba Sanson, a player from the winning team. The tournament might have produced many sports lovers. This achievement, together with the support and cheers of the crowd not only at the venue but also encouragement and contributions from many across the district, is in tune with the theme of the trophy ‘Together we can soar’. The ongoing 32nd Loyem Memorial Trophy, which kicked off on 21st of October, organised jointly by the Chang Wedoshi Setshang and Chang Sports Association, is a testament to the commitment of the district and its people to embrace the responsibility to carry forward the legacy of sportsmanship, help young people realise their dream by providing them the right platform and exposure, to help young talents, as well as to foster unity and harmony through sports. With the state government providing support to renew and revive the vibrant sports culture, its timely intervention and the impending resurgence of Nagaland League by Nagaland Football Association, there is hope for the upcoming young players to look forward to and not take football as a seasonal game and as seasonal player by taking it to professional level. This is attainable only when both the players and the state government machinery are dedicated to the pursuit to excel and promote the sport. Considering the popularity of football, which continues to garner more fan base across the state, besides the natural talent and passion, the sport can be used for the growth and prosperity of the people, as well as platform to combat the existing challenges like alarming unemployment rate which the state government is confronted with. Other positive causes can also be promoted through this platform- for the improvement and betterment of young people in particular and the citizens in general.

Hotoni Yeptho