Five young Naga footballers selected for training in Germany

DIMAPUR — Five young footballers have been selected from Nagaland, from the Bundesliga Under-13 final trials, to undergo training for three weeks in Germany.

The selected players, namely Sehboigin Haokip (11 years old), Lalminkai Thomson (12 years old), Asa Ayemi (12 years old), Nitoka Tamang (11 years old), and Kaiminlen Haokip (13 years old), were chosen from among the 12 players who participated in the Bundesliga U-13 final trials held in Mumbai.

All 12 players, along with their team manager, arrived at Dimapur Airport from Mumbai on Tuesday. Upon arrival, their families and friends gave them a warm welcome.

On the occasion, the team manager, Sentiningsang Longkumer, briefed about the selection process, stating that on April 5 and 6, the Dimapur Sporting Club (DSC), in collaboration with BigHit and Bundesliga International, organised the U-13 trials. From these trials, 12 players were selected from Nagaland. Subsequently, the selected players travelled to Mumbai to participate in the final trials.

He shared that 20 states from across the country participated in the final trial and 30 players were selected for training in Germany. During the final trials, all the teams competed in a knockout league format, with each match lasting for 15 minutes. The Nagaland team played three matches and lost in the semi-final round.

Former players from Bundesliga clubs, including Bayern Munich, scouted and selected 30 players to undergo training in Germany.

He updated that the young boys will leave in May for training and that during their training period, they will be able to play matches against Bundesliga youth teams, which will be a great opportunity for them. He stated that if they perform well during the training period, during which they will be evaluated, they will be offered contracts.

Limasunep Longkumer, operational manager of DSC, stated that this is a significant platform for the Nagas and that everyone should participate in the upcoming U-15 and U-16 trials. He informed that the five selected footballers are from different football training institutes, including Khelo India, DSC, and the School of Football Academy.

During the final trial held in Mumbai, Hoatinlen Thomson, the coach at DSC, and Yongsen Jamir, the proprietor of DSC, also accompanied the players.

Also read: Clean bowled: Nagaland skipper Limatola Ao on cricket as a career