Football runs in every Northeasterners' blood: Dynamos’ Zodingliana

title=
Zodingliana Tochhawng (Ralte) (Facebook)

After playing for the North-East United in the inaugural session of the Indian Super League (ISL), Mizoram-born Zodingliana Tochhawng (Ralte) is now excited to wear the Delhi Dynamos’ jersey in the next edition and says, “Football runs in every Northeasterners' blood.”

“Cricket may be the country’s favourite sport. But in Northeast, it is the game of football that tops everyone’s list. Football runs in Northeasterners' blood. In Mizoram, if you see, it’s doing so well.

Mizoram FC, Luangmual, FC Kulikawn are doing a good job,” Zodingliana told thestatesman.com in an exclusive interview.

Zodingliana represented India in the under-14, under-16, and under-19 teams. Later, in 2013, he kicked off his professional career with Shillong Lajong.

Meanwhile, the mid-fielder is gearing up to play for the Dynamos. The Delhi team signed him for the second edition of the league in July. Besides, Roberto Carlos, the team also boasts of other big names, like former Liverpool full-back and Norway's most capped international, John Arne Riise, and Frenchman Florent Malouda.

Talking about his new team, the 20-year-old said, “I am very excited because I’ll play with Carlos.

I’ll learn a lot from the Brazilian star. As a player, I have improved after playing in the first ISL. This time, I am looking forward to play alongside all these great players.”

Well, it’s a known fact that this young footballer idolizes French star Zinedine Zidane. “I try to copy his style, his passing abilities, in particular,” the Dynamos player said with a sparkle in his eyes.

“Rooney’s passion and his attitude towards the game is phenomenal. I emulate him as well.” he added.

Now, with two Pune-based clubs, Pune FC and Bharat FC likely to pull out of the I-League, reports suggest that All India Football Federation (AIFF) will merge the two leagues in the near future to improve the prospect of the game. When asked about the issue, Zodingliana, however, declined to comment.

Talking about the Indian football scenario in general, the player said, “Well, there are talented players in the country. Even last year, many foreign coaches said that Indian footballers had the skills.”
“We need to have better infrastructure and good coaches. It’s sad that we have the talent, but have such a poor FIFA ranking,” he added.

Hoping to play for the senior national team now, Zodingliana feels that its too early to say which team will take away the title in ISL 2015.

On being asked about his dream club, the former North-East United player said, “Manchester United is my dream club. So, yes, maybe someday I might play for the United. I don’t know if it’s possible.”


READ MORE - Football runs in every Northeasterners' blood: Dynamos’ Zodingliana

Kerala-Mizoram Bond over Football

The Kerala Mizo Association football team before a match against St Peter’s Kanathura in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday | B P Deepu The Kerala Mizo Association football team before a match against St Peter’s Kanathura in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday | B P Deepu THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The zest for football has brought  Kerala and Mizoram together this Onam season. The Kerala Mizoram Association (KMA), which represents 300-strong Mizo population in the state, has fielded a football team in the Sevens Football Tournament underway at Shangumugham Ground.
The team is just two weeks old but it has been giving local outfits a run for their money.
On Saturday the Mizo team in blue and white thrashed Smart Boys Arts and Sports Club, Kolliyoor with an outstanding score of 8-0. On Sunday evening they struggled a bit on the slushy ground, but still managed to overcome a strong St Peter’s Kanathur team. “Most of the youngsters in our team are students at the College of Engineering Thiruvananthapuram (CET),” said captain of the team Victor Lalbiakmawia, who is also a football coach with the Southern Air Command that has its headquarters in the city. “Football is very popular in Mizoram. It is the only sport played there,” he said.“We are encouraging young members to take part and try to blend in with the people of Kerala and Onam seems to be the best time,” said KMA president and team manager Wilson Vanramhluna.
“We’ll see how things go, and continue with the team if we can,” he said.
KMA was formed in 2009 and since then has organised regular assemblies for Mizos residing in Kerala. “Most of them are students and there are 11 families. There are also some doctors who are pursuing postgraduation here,” Wilson said.
READ MORE - Kerala-Mizoram Bond over Football