Photo essay: Mizoram and its unparalleled passion for football

Forbes India travelled to Mizoram to understand how in recent years, the state has turned into a hotbed for young football talent. With the FIFA World Cup's final coming up, here are a few glimpses of

Dec 17, 2022, 07:22 IST2 min

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A view of the city captured while travelling to Kolasib, the smallest district in Mizoram, about 90 km away from Aizawl.

Image by Mexy Xavier

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R Lalruatfela, founder and coach of the privately-run Four4Two academy [centre], along with students of his academy, at their home in Kolasib. The entire family, including their grandparents, support Manchester United, and they never miss watching a match together.

Image by Mexy Xavier

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A line of football shoes left for drying on the porch of a house in Kolasib. It is never not a football season for the Mizos.

Image by Mexy Xavier

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Rickshaw driver Lalchawiliana with his daughter Vanlalnghaki (13) and son Lalthazuala (12) in their one-bedroom quarter in Kolasib district. He ensures that Lalthazuala attends football lessons thrice a week and wishes he could afford classes for his daughter as well.

Image by Mexy Xavier

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Vanlalnghaki, along with her brother Lalthazuala and friends, playing football barefoot on the volleyball court close by. Their father—a Real Madrid fan—introduced football to his children when they were toddlers.

Image by Mexy Xavier

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Regional Sports Training Centre in Saidan, Kolasib—a picturesque football ground with an artificial grass turf, overlooking the city on one side and mountains on the other.

Image by Mexy Xavier

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Young athletes and hostellers relax after a practice session at the Regional Sports Training Centre in Saidan, Kolasib, run by the state government. After a rigorous selection process, the best of the best from Mizoram get selected to train at this centre.

Image by Mexy Xavier

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Hostellers resting in their dorm room and finishing up their homework. The programme at the Regional Sports Training Centre gives equal importance to education since not all players can make it as professional footballers. Some players at the academy have given two to four trials for the Under-13 and Under-17 teams of Bengaluru FC, Hyderabad FC and Madras FC.

Image by Mexy Xavier

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Most parents come to support their children during practice sessions. “If my son or daughter wants to become a professional footballer, they have my complete support,” says one of them.

Image by Mexy Xavier

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Women selling fresh fruits and herbs at Lungdai Bazaar in Mizoram.

Image by Mexy Xavier