From Nagaland to Minerva: Teka Pongen on growth of football in Nagaland

DIMAPUR, JUL 29 (NPN): Highlighting both promise and challenges of football in Nagaland, Minerva Academy coach Tekametang Pongen shared his journey from the state to one of India’s leading football academies, while underlining the urgent need for stronger grassroots systems, infrastructure and exposure for young players.
Pongen, who has been associated with Minerva Academy for the past five years, said his journey into professional football was driven by a deep-rooted passion for the game. “Football has always been an important part of my life. It gave me purpose and happiness, and I wanted to give something back to the game”, he said.
His coaching career began after completing a D Licence coaching course in Punjab, following which he secured an internship at Minerva, marking the start of his professional journey.
In an exclusive interview with Nagaland Post, Pongen informed that he has worked across multiple levels in the Academy, from grassroots to youth and reserve teams, focusing on player development, training sessions, match preparation and performance monitoring. He described the football ecosystem at Minerva as highly structured and professional, with a clear pathway for growth, something he believed was still lacking in Nagaland.
“There is a big difference. At Minerva, players benefit from regular training, competitive matches, analysis and guidance from qualified coaches. In Nagaland, there is potential, but the lack of infrastructure and consistent platforms limits player development” he pointed.
Assessing the talent pool in the Northeast and Nagaland in particular, Pongen maintained that while the region has natural ability, it has fallen behind some neighbouring states due to declining football culture and fewer opportunities. “It is not about lack of talent. The problem is fewer competitions and no clear pathway which leads many players to lose motivation as they grow older” he opined.
He pointed out that players from the region possess qualities well-suited to football, including stamina, agility and a strong work ethic, largely shaped by their lifestyle and upbringing. He however noted that limited exposure and financial constraints remain major barriers. Asked whether the Academy scouts players from the region, he revealed that the Academy has been actively scouting talent from the Northeast, and has also been conducting regular trials in Nagaland over the past three years, with support from local institutions, such as Greenwood School.
He added that through such initiatives, several players from the state have been identified and nurtured, naming Wangshem Konyak, who recently won the Helsinki Cup in Finland and Gothia Cup in Sweden with Minerva, Kikasumi, as part of the AIFF U-13 Youth League-winning team and Atou Sumi, who represented the academy in the AIFF U-16 Youth League. “These players are proof that Nagaland has talent. With the right opportunities and development pathway, many more can succeed”, he asserted. Asked on requirements to improving scouting network in the state, Pongen stressed the need for collaboration among schools, clubs, communities and state association, along with increased grassroots programmes, youth leagues, and tournaments. He described grassroots football as the most important stage in a player’s development, asserting that early exposure to structured competition helps build both skill and passion for the game. He also expressed his support on the continuation and expansion of leagues such as Nagaland Super League (NSL), noting that such platforms not only provide competitive opportunities but also inspire younger players and strengthen football culture.
He however cautioned against focusing solely on senior leagues, emphasising that long-term success depends on strong grassroots foundations. “If we invest in youth development, it will naturally strengthen senior leagues in the future”, he said. When asked on his views on the infrastructural development in the field of sports in the state, especially for Football, he acknowledged the gradual improvements, however expressed concern over the state’s football infrastructure. “We don’t need world-class stadiums. Even decent, playable grounds are enough. But many areas still lack basic facilities”, he remarked.
He identified key gaps in infrastructure, competition, exposure, and guidance as major hurdles for player development, and called for a coordinated effort among stakeholders to create a more supportive environment.
To a query on his advice to aspiring footballers, Pongen emphasised self-belief, discipline, and consistency. “Talent alone is never enough. Players must be ready to step out of their comfort zones, face challenges, and keep learning”, he said. He also stressed the importance of mindset in achieving success at higher levels, adding that a never-give-up attitude, humility, and willingness to improve every day is what makes the difference at national and international stage.