Last season, when Mumbai FC released him along with forward Jayesh Rane, Ashutosh Mehta bucked the trend of players from small towns flocking to big-city I-League franchises, signing up with Aizawl FC in January this year. A few months down the line, the Mizoram club’s coronation as I-League champion inadvertently coincides with Mumbai FC’s relegation (it finished at the bottom of the elite league).
For the city-based defender, his stint at Aizawl under coach Khalid Jamil was unforgettable, as were the 16 matches en route to the club’s first I-League title. More importantly, the 26-year-old witnessed the northeast’s craze for football first-hand. He spoke to The Hindu after his team’s triumphant return to the Mizoram capital.
Why are they crazy about football in the northeast?
The northeast has always been passionate about football and music. Everyone follows the sport here in Mizoram. When we arrived at the airport [after winning the I-League] thousands were lined up to welcome us. The streets were packed with fans. We are household names here. The moment we step out on the streets, people want to meet us, take photographs. This didn’t happen to us in Mumbai.
Northeast footballers play for every Indian club and league. Will Aizawl FC’s success enable the next crop of footballers to make a living at home?
The northeast is the engine of Indian football. There is a lot of talent there, which just needs a platform to be showcased. I hope they get a chance, now that a club from there is India’s champion club. Mizoram players are tremendously hard-working and deserve it. I watched a few local league games here, and the quality of play was amazing. I feel local footballers should move out and prove their talent with clubs elsewhere in India; only then will more new faces emerge.
Aizawl was a new city, new culture. Was adjusting tough?
It was difficult initially, because food, weather, culture, people and lifestyle are very different from Mumbai. Eventually, the people here made us feel very comfortable. It’s always good when football takes you places to experience new challenges.
What did you do to win respect and affection from teammates and fans?
In professional football, only performance speaks. In the first few games, our performance as players and coach helped gain acceptance from locals.
Coach Jamil credited the players and fan support for the title win.
I have never seen a coach work so hard, be so dedicated to football. Khalid Jamil’s passion for the game is what makes me adore him all the more. If there is someone who deserves the I-League trophy, it’s him.
How did it feel to win your first I-League title?
Being called the champion team of our nation is the best feeling in the world. I still can’t get over it that we have created Indian footballing history.
Mumbai FC’s relegation means no city player or team can play in the I-League.
A: I had played in Mumbai all my life. Mumbai will always be special to me, no matter what. It really hurts because Mumbai FC can’t play in the I-League any more. If they [city players] get a chance to play again I will the happiest person.
You said you were a household name in Mizoram. Will players from Mumbai FC and younger ones find it easier in the coming season?
Young players should grab opportunities with both hands whenever it presents itself. We moved to Mizoram from Mumbai only because of the coach. He had given us [Jayesh Rane and Mehta] breaks in the development squad at Mumbai FC and when he asked us, we had no option. Mumbai footballers have more choices, but I don’t know if they wish to come here.
