Thonburi United, a football club from Thailand, is currently in Kohima to recruit a talented football player from Nagaland to play for the club. In this connection, department of Youth Resources and Sports, organised a two-day trail “Nagaland Next Top player”, at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.
Special guest of the event, R. Ramakrishnan, Development Commissioner and Principal Secretary informed that 14 people from Bangkok were in Kohima for the trial.
He lauded the department of Youth Resources and Sports for their contribution to promote sports persons in Nagaland and encouraging them.
Ramakrishnan said that the state may not have the standard of producing many international and national level players but there are few who had been able to successfully sign contract at national level and doing well. He therefore said that such initiative will provide the players an exposure to play with international level players.
Ramakrishnan also thanked all the people, who took the initiatives in organising the programs for the players. Manager, Thonburi United and Sports Director Thonburi University Kanabuadee Yamchuti said they will select a player, who will be trained professionally to play for the club.
The club will provide free flight tickets and accommodation to the selected player.
Nagaland Football Association president Neibou Sekhose expressed happiness and gratitude for the initiative.
Director of Youth Resources and Sports, Kethosituo Sekhose highlighted that this was first of its kind in Nagaland. He said the event will help the player of Nagaland to earn a livelihood and become a professional player.
He informed that the club has come specifically in search of a talented striker and winger.
He said the collaboration was the result of last year, when Nagaland team during their visit defeated Thailand. He hoped this will be a starting journey for the young talents to become international player.