Game Without Direction: Prospect of Football in Nagaland

Football is no doubt the most popular sport in Nagaland. People of all ages, both enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts, play the game in virtually any available space, be it stadiums, swamp football pitches, open fields or streets, reflecting the deep cultural integration of the sport in the state. It's no surprise, considering that Nagaland is the home of the legendary Dr. Talimeren Ao, who captained the Indian national football team during its first appearance in the Olympic football tournament at the 1948 Summer Olympics in London. What is surprising, however, is the inability to harness the passion and legacy established by Dr. Talimeren Ao to create a formidable football powerhouse. In stark contrast to the game's popularity, the state has neither made a significant impact on the national scene as a team nor produced many professional footballers for the national level, while its neighbouring states, particularly Manipur, consistently produce prominent players. This is something that needs to be introspected. What appears to be lacking is a vibrant football culture essential for excelling in the game and competing at the highest level. While the sport may be deeply ingrained in our society, there is an insufficient support system to nurture young talent. The absence of established leagues, which serve as the backbone for the development of the game, speaks volumes about the current state of football in the region. Sans structured competitive platforms for players to showcase and refine their skills, what begins as a passion is often reduced to a mere hobby. It has reached a point where parents and society view football as a seasonal sport rather than a viable career option.

Well, the Nagaland Super League (NSL), which was launched by the state government on the lines of the Indian Super League (ISL) with a vision to provide a competitive platform for local players to hone their talent and scout young players, will help bridge the gap to some extent, but there are more questions than answers in terms of sustainability. If the response to the inaugural session of the NSL was encouraging, the overwhelming support witnessed during the recently concluded Dr. T Ao Trophy was truly revealing. But what are the players doing now that the hype has died down and the challenges of everyday life are confronting them? Are they continuing their football training, or have they taken up other jobs? For most players, these sporting events serve as an end in themselves. But ideally, domestic events should act as a springboard to bigger platforms such as the ISL and even international levels. One of the biggest drawbacks hindering talented players from reaching professional levels is late enrolment and a lack of consistency in training. To elevate football in Nagaland, it is crucial to strengthen grassroots academies that provide structured training to young boys and girls, starting at the age of 5 or 6. This will help them develop fundamental skills, gain a deeper understanding of the game, and maintain their fitness.