Football is a craze in north east India, so much so, that youth of the region are now looking at it as a career option.
Recently, several teams from the region took part in the Subroto Cup in the hope of winning national recognition.
The Under-14 teams of the Sikkim-based Tashi Namgyal Academy and Government Secondary School Andaman and Nicobar Island, played against each other at Delhi's Dr. Ambedkar Stadium.
Their talent and potential was clearly visible as the boys from Sikkim won five nil.
Bishal Tamang, the coach of the Sikkim Team
"This is our first tournament for Subroto Cup. I am very happy because my boys played very well," Tamang said.
Though the Sikkim team won the match, it will have to perform well to get to the final of the tournament.
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Karmaloday Lepcha, a player, said that he was thankful for the training and support that he was receiving from his coach.
There is no doubt that the Northeast is a hub of football, and, the only thing players from region need now, is the right platform and exposure to hone their talent.
The Subroto Cup is a great opportunity for them, as they get to compete with teams from all over the country.
Jigdel Gyurmeg Yongda, another player, said: "There are so many top players from north east and many more upcoming players are close to breaking through. I guess we need more opportunities and a platform to showcase our talents. There should be more tournaments, especially at the youth level, like we are having here. If there is more opportunity for Sikkim and north east players, then, we will see many more football stars from the region.