Nikum Gyamar

While most kids are busy with school, friends and games at the age of 16, Nikum Gyamar was busy making a mark in football history. At 16, Nikum became the youngest footballer to be selected to play in the Hero I-league qualifier for his club – Rajasthan United FC. Hailing from Takey village under Kurung Kumey district in Arunachal Pradesh, Nikum is currently a student of Witty International School in Bhilwara Rajasthan. But his days do not quite look like those of an ordinary class 11 student. As a team player, he needs to be travelling with his club, which during the pandemic has pretty much meant being isolated from the outside world and living inside a bio-bubble for the duration of entire tournaments. But Nikum isn’t complaining. Before becoming the youngest player for Rajasthan United FC, Nikum had already played and won at various state and national level tournaments. He says that he has been playing football for all long as he can remember and what drives him to be the best is his love for the game and the opportunity to inspire other youngsters from Arunachal Pradesh to pursue sports. Having already secured a place in the I-League, Nikum now aspires to play in the Indian Super League. However, his ultimate goal is to one day represent his country internationally. He draws inspiration from the international footballer, Lionel Messi and his favourite international team is Barcelona FC. Unlike most other children in school, for Nikum his studies often take a backseat, completed in the little free time in the evening or at night, after his practice. But Nikum has picked football over his studies and while he prepares for his football career, he does so with the support of his family, his coach and his school.