KOLKATA, March 11 (TNN): Loads of talent and hard work characterized Mizoram's triumph in the 68th Santosh Trophy. Long-term planning, infrastructure development, effective development programmes at the grassroots level and the introduction of the Mizoram Premier League (MPL), all contributed significantly to Mizoram's success in the National Football Championship, thereby making the state a force to reckon with in North-East's rich football heritage.
Mizoram Football Association (MFA) secretary Lalnghinglova Hmar reckons the MPL played a key role in transforming the state's football landscape. "Our triumph in the Santosh Trophy is a direct result of the MPL, which is now in its second season. We always had the talent but most of the players could not play regularly.
A few lucky ones got a break in I-League clubs but a significant number of equally good players had nowhere to showcase their talent. The MPL has given them that platform," said the 36-year-old Hmar, the man who is credited with ushering in a football revolution in Mizoram. "Shortly after we took charge of the MFA three years ago, we put in place a system and a road map to take Mizoram football forward. We are delighted with the results. Our senior as well as junior teams have won the national championship. This is a golden year for Mizoram."
Hmar also credits the state government for supporting MFA's grassroots development programme, which has been declared by All India Football Federation as the best in the country. "The grassroots development programme that MFA has initiated in collaboration with the AIFF follows the FIFA model. Youngsters in the age-group of 6-12 are part of this programme."
Top Mizo players are already making their presence felt at many I-League clubs. Apart from the veteran S Malswamtluanga, the likes of Jeje Lalpekhlua, Lalrindika Ralte and Robert Lalthlamuana too have made their mark. Many more will follow. "I believe what you are seeing now is just the tip of the iceberg," said Larsing Ming, the general secretary of Shillong Lajong FC, the first club from the N-E to feature in the I-League.
Lalbiakzuala, who was the manager of the Mizoram team in the Santosh Trophy and is the technical secretary of the MFA, sees a bright future for footballers from the state. "We are on the right track and if we can continue like this, Mizoram will soon dominate Indian football," he said.
However, for that to happen, Lalbiakzuala feels there is a need for a club from the state to qualify for the I-League. At present there are two I-League clubs from the North-East - Shillong Lajong FC and Rangdajied United FC - and both are based in Shillong.
Asked how two clubs from Shillong managed to make it to the I-League, Larsing said, "Shillong is the educational hub of the N-E region and is a cosmopolitan city. The two clubs have nurtured talents from the region. In fact, there are quite a few Mizoram players playing for Lajong."
Mizoram club, Aizawl FC, is the best bet to make a foray into the country's elite club competition. "Mizoram has made it mark but the most difficult part starts now - to maintain it. Our aim now is to improve and be consistent," Hmar concluded.
Mizoram declares
state holiday
Mizoram chief minister Lal Thanhawla has declared a state holiday on Wednesday to celebrate the state's history-making win. As soon as the Mizoram players held aloft the glittering trophy in Siliguri, fans roared their approval and Mizoram's capital Aizawl erupted in ecstasy. Impromptu victory processions were taken out in various parts of the city and in many towns, and fans sang and danced on the streets till well after midnight. A grand welcome awaits their heroes with Governor Vakkom B Purosothaman saying he would greet the team on their return. The Mizoram Football Association will hold a public reception in Aizawl. The MFA is expecting around 70,000 fans at the AR Ground and are appealing to people of Aizawl and adjoining towns to gather at Lengpui airport to show their support.
Mama and his silent revolution
NEW DELHI, March 11 (TNN): In November 2005, a team from Mizoram lit up a sleepy Santosh Trophy qualifying cluster in Thiruvananthapuram with bold, attacking football.
The little Mizo men seemed to possess that special ability to turn it on at will and let the style simply flow. For many unaccustomed to witnessing such robust display by a team which did not belong to the country's footballing elite, made for riveting viewing as a lethargic Bengal among others twisted and turned in their wake.
The little Mizo men seemed to possess that special ability to turn it on at will and let the style simply flow. For many unaccustomed to witnessing such robust display by a team which did not belong to the country's footballing elite, made for riveting viewing as a lethargic Bengal among others twisted and turned in their wake.
Ever-running and standing no more than five-feet-five in his socks, the team's coach, leader and guide was Shylo Malsawmatulanga -'Mama' to the world of Indian football. He was just 21, already an East Bengal mainstay and easily the best left winger in Indian football then. Jerry Zirsanga, Vanlalrova, Robert Lalthlamuana, Malsawma and PC Lalhmingliana all looked up to the gentle word of Mama, and ran like he did.
While Bengal played their traditional prima donna role at the tournament, it was a unique charm offensive from Mama's men. The team from the Christian-majority state would stand in prayer after each game - win, lose or draw. Then they would walk over to the rival penalty area and shake hands with each of their opponents.
Eventually, edged out from the main round in Kochi on a countback, Mizoram's players departed for their clubs and later as the Santosh Trophy rapidly lost out in importance, the team - and the idea - seemingly fell off the map.
But the Mizoram experience in Kerala was not a mirage. Almost a decade later, they are national football champions and the man who kick-started it all continues to quietly ply his trade in his typically busy, hunched-over-the-ball manner. In a journey that began in 1998 with the Subroto Cup with Electric Veng Middle School via the Tata Football Academy, he's back to East Bengal after stints with Salgaocar, Mohun Bagan and Prayag United.
