The Youth Resources and Sports department hosted the “Nagaland Next Top Player” program for two days at Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima. Thonburi United, a Thai football club representing Thonburi University in Bangkok, will select a player from Nagaland to join their team.

In his speech, Development Commissioner & Principal Secretary R. Ramakrishnan, I.A.S, acknowledged the event and commended the department for supporting and inspiring sports talents in Nagaland.

He expressed hope that initiatives like this program will expose local players to international competition, opening pathways to not only the national but to international stage too. He expressed gratitude to those who organized such opportunities for Nagaland’s players.

Kanabuadee Yamchuti, Manager, Thonburi United  and Director, Thonburi University Sports confirmed their intention to select and professionally train a player from Nagaland to join Thonburi United. Yamchuti stated that the expenses of the selected player such as flights and accommodation will be covered by Thonburi United and remuneration of the player will also be provided.

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Appreciating the initiative, Neibou Sekhose, President of the Nagaland Football Association, expressed foreseeing a historic moment for Nagaland and hoped the endeavor would showcase Nagaland’s talent on a national and international scale.

Kethosituo Sekhose, NCS, Director of the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, emphasized the groundbreaking nature of this initiative in Nagaland. He highlighted the opportunity for Nagaland’s players to earn a living and pursue professional careers in sports .He also anticipated the development of modern sports facilities, including a high-tech stadium, by the following year.

Sekhose also mentioned that the team was actively seeking talented strikers and wingers to join them. This partnership stemmed from Nagaland’s visit to Thailand last year, where they competed against and defeated the Thonburi United team. He believed this opportunity marked the beginning of a significant journey for Nagaland’s aspiring young talents to reach international recognition.