North Eastern players dominate in Nehru Cup glory

Another golden chapter was added to the history of Indian sport recently when India lifted the ONGC Nehru Cup for the first time. Credit for this win goes to the north east players.

By Aditya Shukla

New Delhi, Sept 9 : Another golden chapter was added to the history of Indian sport recently when India lifted the ONGC Nehru Cup for the first time. Credit for this win goes to the north east players.

Players from Assam, Meghalya, Sikkim, Manipur and Nagaland deserve special mention.

Of the twelve footballers, five namely--Bhaichung Bhutia, Renedy Singh, Suniel Chetri, Bungo Singh and Gourmanghi Singh-all north-easterners, played a significant part in the tournament.

It is also worth remembering that Indian football has been dominated for a long time by energetic players from this region. And Baichung Bhutia continues to be the most famous.

Hailing from remote Sikkim, Bhutia has been the face of the Indian football for years.

He has dominated Indian football like Sachin Tendulkar has Indian cricket.

Memorable moments like the lifting of the Nehru Cup have been very few and far between.

Under Bhaichung's leadership, India humbled a formidable Syria in the final of the Nehru Football Cup.

Speaking about the win, Bhutia said: "It's a great win for us. I am very happy. I think it's the team effort. It's the management and the crowd that has come here and supported us. I think it's a great win. We have worked hard and got a good result."

Bob Houghtan, the coach of the Indian football team, said: "Yes, this win means a lot because we prepared very hard. It's nice to win a tournament. It was a nice atmosphere, and all are cheerful, I think."

North East players believe that their region holds great potential and with proper encouragement and infrastructure many more latent players can be motivated for the country.

Bhutia, said:" It's good if more infrastructure and focus is given. There are talented kids everywhere. Of course, the North East is doing well. There are more talented guys as well. I hope that those will be groomed and looked after.

He said: "If all the States in the country are crazy about cricket, the eight States of the North East are mad about football and other games, like boxing, archery and athletics. Interestingly, in the national cricket team there is no representation from the region. But there are various players in the different football clubs of the country."

Renedy Singh, a Manipuri footballer, said:" I think it's good that lots of players are coming from the North East and we are getting chances. But, we need more facilities because we don't have sponsors and money. I think if you give more facilities, more players from the North East will come out."

It would not be an exaggeration to say that the players from the North East have done for the country in football what the female players did in the Bollywood hit movie "Chak De".

ANI