Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the State of Meghalaya for its contribution to Indian football, 2014 AIFF Player of the Year Eugeneson Lyngdoh said “it’s a privilege and an inspiration to be mentioned about by the honourable Prime Minister.”
“It was surprising to know that the Prime Minister of the country knows about footballers from the North East,” said Lyngdoh moments after the Indian national team safely landed in Vientaine, Laos for India’s forthcoming 2019 AFC Asian Cup Qualifier match against Laos.
The Prime Minister had on his visit to Meghalaya, made mentions of Lyngdoh, Aiborlang Khongjee and Marlanki Suting and the football structure in the State.
Despite compliments being a part and parcel of a footballer’s life, Lyngdoh categorically mentioned “this is different.”
“A mention from the Prime Minister is the cherry on the cake. It’s a motivation to further excel. It’s a feeling which cannot be described. At the same time, it’s a message to the entire footballing fraternity about the support from the Prime Minister himself,” he stated. “Thank you Modi-ji for all your support.”
“It’s such an inspiration that he spoke about football. It’s a privilege. I am so happy that I was able to make my family proud. My parents, brothers, sisters and all are so excited,” he added.
Reflecting on India’s forthcoming match against Laos, Lyngdoh highlighted the “importance” of the match. “It’s a very important match for Indian football. It will decide our calendar for the next couple of years – whether the national team would have international engagements or not. Its do or die,” he quipped.
Meanwhile, referring to the Prime Minister’s mentions of the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup in ‘Mann Ki Baat,’ Lyngdoh believes it will “inspire the younger generation.”
“The support from the Prime Minister will make the kids more passionate about Indian football. They will look forward to making a career in football in the future,” he maintained.
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