Imphal, Jan. 17: Young Ipham and Tennyson from Manipur have dribbled their way, along with 13 other soccer players from their state, to Bitburg in Germany, where they will undergo extensive professional training with 20 other under-15 footballers from the Northeast for six years, courtesy the Tata Trust.
The programme in Germany also envisages links with feeder programmes to the Bundesliga, initially with the Hoffenheim team.
Tata Trust, partnering U Sports, picked 17 boys from Mizoram, 15 from Manipur, two from Meghalaya and one from Assam after extensive talent hunt in July last year for the premier collaborative football training programme.
Interacting with reporters here along with the parents of the young footballers, Tata Trust associate director Biswanath Sinha said: "We have partnered with U Sports to develop a one-of-a-kind skill enhancement programme that offers talented young children a unique opportunity to pursue a career in football and gain recognition not only at home but also on international platform. The objective is to identify talent at the tender age of 13 and offer international training, academic and infrastructure support to help them advance as professional footballers." He added that in comparison to academics, sports often takes a back seat.
"However, with the schools of talent in the Northeast, we hope that the right mix of academics and sports training will nurture children to scale new heights in football and other sports. This will not only make communities recognise sports as a means to diversified livelihood but also understand its significance as a catalyst for sustainable development. Apart from football, we have been focusing on other projects, including a milk processing unit in Thoubal district (Manipur) for the last eight years," Sinha said.
The 15 Manipur boys, who landed in Germany at 3 this morning, are Ipham Imtiyas Khan, N. Bidyananda, L. Tennyson, S. Robert, Chingkhosiam Dimngel, Ng. Rakesh, T. Saphaba, Ginlianhau Tungnung, C.H. Neilianthang Aimol, N. Kishan, Md Jakir Khan, Golmei Apu Kabui, A. Sanathoi, S. Punshiba and Ng. Suraj Singh.
The Mizoram players are Emmanuel Lalchhanchhuaha, Lalchungnunga Chhangte, Lalhmingmawia Royte, Lalhriatpuia, Lalmalsawma, Lalmuanzova Khawlhring, Lalchhanchhuaha, Lalramdinsanga, Lalramhmachhuana, Lalramzailawma, Lalremliana, Larry Lalrinawma, Moody Lalawmpuia, Moses Lalrinpuia, R. Lalrinpuia, Ramhlunchhunga and Vanlalpeka. The 16-year-old left-winger Ramhlunchunga hails from Kolasib and has dreamt of becoming a professional footballer since he was in primary school. Winning the most valuable player title in the Subroto Cup Iin 2014 gave him the belief that he could go on to achieve his dream.
The Meghalaya duo are Badonlang Rapsang and Charles Lyngdoh.
Nine-year-old Chandan Boro is the representative from Assam. He called on Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal in Guwahati before leaving and Sonowal assured him of all possible help and support from the state government.
Ch. Neilianthang Aimol from Pallel in Chandel district expressed his happiness at making it to the group and hoped to give his best effort in his chosen field. He idolises Cristiano Ronaldo and dreams of joining Real Madrid.
Additional reporting by Nilotpal Bhattacharjee
