Twelve-year-old Wangshem Konyak from Mon represented India at Gothia and Helsinki Cups, inspiring Nagaland with his football journey
DIMAPUR — At just 12 years old, Wangshem Konyak from Tanhai village in Mon district has emerged as one of Nagaland's youngest footballers to compete on the international stage after representing India's Minerva Academy FC U-12 team at the Gothia Cup in Sweden—the world's largest youth football tournament—and the Helsinki Cup in Finland.
The young midfielder impressed with thirteen goals across the two tournaments, announcing himself as one of the state's brightest young football prospects.
Behind the remarkable achievement, however, lies a story of perseverance, sacrifice and a father's unwavering belief in his son's dream.
Speaking to Eastern Mirror from their home in Tanhai village, Wangshem's father, Y Ponshing Konyak, recalled the journey that began long before Europe. The conversation was repeatedly interrupted by poor internet connectivity caused by recent landslides that have cut off parts of Mon district.
Ponshing said that he has not been able to bring his son home for the holidays because roads remain blocked, but hopes the helicopter service introduced for the district will soon make that possible.
Football, he said, has always been part of the family. Both he and Wangshem's grandfather played football at the district level but never had the opportunity to pursue the sport further.
“My son was different from the beginning,” Ponshing said. “He would sleep with a football beside his bed. Even if we hid the ball, he would keep searching until he found it.”
Recognising his passion, the family encouraged him to pursue the sport. Wangshem's first breakthrough came at the age of eight during the Khelo India U-14 trials organised by the Mon District Football Association in 2022. A year later, scouts from Minerva Academy FC spotted him during trials at Greenwood School in Dimapur.
He was among three boys from Nagaland and one from Assam selected to join the Punjab-based academy on scholarship. According to his father, Wangshem's performances and dedication later earned him a long-term extension with the academy.
Representing India at the Gothia Cup and Helsinki Cup did not come easily. Ponshing shared that his son underwent nearly six months of intensive trials and preparation before securing a place in the touring squad.
At the academy, Wangshem is valued for his versatility, playing as a left winger, right winger, striker and midfielder.
Off the field, he enjoys playing football video games and closely follows Lionel Messi, whose autograph he was fortunate to get during the star’s visit to India. He usually wears the No. 10 jersey but sported No. 21 during the Gothia Cup in tribute to another favourite player, Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
Currently studying in Class 7 at Minerva Public School in Punjab on scholarship, Wangshem enjoys the full support of his parents.
“My father and I have always backed his football career," Ponshing said. “Initially, many relatives questioned our decision because, like most Naga families, they believed education and government jobs should come first. But today everyone supports his dream.”
According to Ponshing, joining the academy transformed his son. “He used to be stubborn and undisciplined. Now he is disciplined in everything, even his eating habits. Sometimes he even advises the family on healthy food,” he said with a laugh.
For Ponshing, watching his son represent India overseas remains the proudest moment of his life. “It made me proud not only as a father but also as a Naga,” he said.
He believes many talented children in Nagaland remain undiscovered because opportunities are limited.
“Our children have tremendous talent. They only need the right support system," he said. “When I visited Minerva Academy, I noticed that nearly 70% of the players were from Manipur. If my son can reach this stage, many other Naga children can too.”
He also appealed for greater government support for young sportspersons, saying financial constraints prevent many families from nurturing talented children.
“I am only a small businessman, but I have tried my best to support my son's dream,” he said. “Not every family can afford that. Only my son and I know the struggles we went through over the last four years.”