Northeast Players Head Delhi’s Soccer Graph Northwards

By Jonathan Selvaraj

New Delhi, Aug 12 : With a credible quarter-final spot and an undefeated record, the Delhi state soccer side may have come back from the recently concluded Santosh Trophy with plenty to feel proud about.

One of the stars of their performance was Tuishim Mashangva who top scored for the state with five goals.

Along with Tuishim, two others- Golmei and David Ngaite are from the Northeast. Originally from Manipur, Tuishim, Golmei and David are symbolic of the emergence of players from the Northeast in the capital’s football circuit.

While the aforementioned names are all part of the senior squad, there are many of their fellow states persons even in the secondary leagues. Robert Haokip, is a 17 year old Manipur native who plays for the Hans Club in Delhi’s B division.

Robert says “the reason I came to Delhi was to play soccer. In my state, it was impossible to get into a good club side. I played for a club, but it was always difficult to get much playing time. The truth is that in Delhi there is far less competition.

If you are reasonably good it’s much easier to get into a club.” Just 6 months into his Delhi sojourn, Robert took part in selection trials for the Delhi U-19 team and was picked to be a part of that team. “In Manipur, there is no way I could have made it to the state side so easily.”

But lack of competition isn’t the only reason for players from the Northeast to come to Delhi. NK Bhatia, Secretary of the Delhi Soccer Association says “we also get a lot of players, who are students or are working.

Where they come from, educational and work opportunities are less. When they are here, they try to continue with the sport simultaneously.” Its not an empty claim — Robert originally came to the capital to study.

Bhatia also sees the influx of players as a sign that things are looking up for football in Delhi. “We have finished 5th in the Santosh trophy - its no minor achievement.

The fact that so many people are playing in our league- not just from Northeast, but also from, Haryana, Goa Punjab and even from foreign countires means Delhi is creating a good name.”

Bhatia cites the recent Santosh Trophy success of Bengal which had several outside players as an example “ Delhi is not the only team with players from outside.

Even Bengal takes out of state players. Robin Singh is from Delhi, while Denson Devadas is from Kerala. If we are getting good players from other states, it will only help to boost competition amongst our own players.”