If Aizawl FC defines the best of football in Mizoram then the Red Army depicts the passion of support for the popular club. This is a group of around 250 dedicated supporters, which literally drums up the support whenever the club is playing at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium here. Many members of the group also travel around the country to support their favourite club.
The supporter-group has developed a distinct identity having formed its song and flag that defines their presence in the stadium whenever Aizawl FC is playing. “This group is formed out of passion for football that Aizawl FC defines,” says David Zohmangaiha, the leader of the Red Army.
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The Army moves in with its band of supporters accompanied by drums and cymbals choreographing the moment and songs that grows into a roar gradually engulfing the whole stadium. “This is a way to show the passion we have for football and expectations we have from our favourite club,” David, who is also famous in the State as the first Mizo to climb the Mount Everest (in 2013), adds with a hint of pride.
And like a true General, David wished his colleagues in Red Army will drum up enough passion to fire up the resolve of their favourite to put it across the might of Mohun Bagan and secure it the first I-League title. “This is the time show the true ability of Aizawl FC,” Zohera interjects from the crowd of supports who had turned up to see the teams practice on the eve of the match.
Much like the millions of supporters that give the 128-year-old Mohun Bagan the pride of place in Indian football, the Red Army symbolises the rising community support for the much younger Aizawl FC (formed in 1984), which is looking to find a permanent place in the map of footballing excellence in India.
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