Nagaland footballer’s journey: From playing football in the street to Shillong Lajong FC

DIMAPUR — Nagaland footballer Pursunep Longkumer has come a long way, transitioning from his early days in a local football club to securing a two-year contract with Shillong Lajong FC, an Indian professional football club based in Shillong, Meghalaya.

The 21-year-old midfielder, who began his football journey the local club called Rainbow FC, joined the Shillong Lajong FC this year, thus getting the chance to play in I-League, the second tier of Indian football league system.

Recounting his football journey to Eastern Mirror, Pursunep fondly reminisced about his ‘fantastic childhood’, playing football in the street with his friends, at around the age of 10.

“As I got older, my passion for the game grew, and I realised that I wanted to pursue it as my career profession,” he shared.

Regarding his transition into Shillong Lajong FC, where he is currently donning jersey number 15, he described it as a memorable experience.

He was scouted by the club during a Northeast Olympic tournament.

“They saw potential in me and offered me a spot in their academy. From there, I worked hard and eventually made it to the senior team,” he shared.

According to Pursunep, the most significant lesson he has learned from his professional journey is the importance of hard work and perseverance.

“Football is a challenging sport, and there are ups and downs along the way. But by staying dedicated and never giving up, I have seen that hard work truly pays off,” he said.

On his daily schedule, he said that it centres around training, fitness, and sustaining a healthy lifestyle.

“I start my day with a nutritious breakfast, followed by training sessions with the team. After that, I focus on recovery, rest, and preparing for the next day’s challenges,” he shared.

On the potential factors leading to Nagaland lagging behind other states in football, he said that it could because of factors such as limited infrastructure, insufficient exposure to professional training, or popularity of other sports.

When asked about his favourite football club in India, he said it is tough because there are so many amazing ones. “But if I had to pick, I would love to be a part of Bengaluru FC,” he added.

He said that his goal in life is to achieve personal growth and fulfilment. “I strive to become the best version of myself, both on and off the field. It is important to me to make a positive impact, inspire others, and leave a lasting legacy,” he said.

“Chase your dreams relentlessly, no matter how big or small they may be. Believe in yourself, work hard, and never give up. Surround yourself with positive influences and always remember that you have the power to create your own success. Keep pushing forward and embrace every opportunity that comes your way!” he has these words for young people.

Also read: Neitho living out his dream as goalkeeper of Shillong Lajong FC