The Nagaland Next Top Player Season 2, a highly anticipated and impactful football talent hunt organized by the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Government of Nagaland, has successfully concluded, marking a significant milestone for aspiring footballers in the state. The Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Government of Nagaland, joined forces with the Nagaland Football Association, Progressive Sports Consultants, SC Nagaland, and Thonburi United Thailand to create a platform that offers pathways to international football leagues promising young athletes from the region.
The journey to international football stardom has officially begun for four talented young footballers from Nagaland, The rigorous trials, which kicked off on May 12th at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium, Police Complex, have identified Laiwang Bohham and Kevisanyu Peseyie as the top two players. They have earned a coveted one-month training and trial program with Thonburi United, Thailand.
The selection camp at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium served as the battleground where aspiring footballers from across Nagaland showcased their skills and determination. After a period of intense trials and evaluations, Laiwang Bohham and Kevisanyu Peseyie distinguished themselves as the most promising talents, earning them direct pathways to train with a professional club in Thailand.
The culmination of the Nagaland Next Top Player Season 2 saw the emergence of BEPETO and ENYIEBE as standout talents. Their exceptional skills, dedication, and performance throughout the talent hunt impressed scouts and organizers alike, earning them the remarkable opportunity to secure wild card entries to play professional football in Thailand. This achievement emphasises the rich footballing potential that exists within Nagaland and the effectiveness of initiatives like this in identifying and nurturing that talent.
Opening Doors to Professional Football in Thailand
The wild card entries secured by BEPETO and ENYIEBE represent a significant leap in their footballing careers. This opportunity to compete in Thailand’s professional football leagues will provide them with invaluable experience, exposure to a different footballing culture, and the chance to further develop their skills in a competitive international environment. This initiative directly aligns with the aim of the Nagaland Next Top Player program: to provide talented players from Nagaland with a platform to showcase their abilities on a global stage and pursue professional careers.
The success of the Nagaland Next Top Player Season 2 and the subsequent placement of BEPETO and ENYIEBE in Thailand serves as a powerful testament to the future sporting potential within Nagaland. It highlights the effectiveness of strategic collaborations between government bodies, sports associations, and international partners in creating meaningful opportunities for young athletes. This initiative not only benefits the individual players but also inspires countless other aspiring footballers in the state to pursue their dreams with renewed hope and determination.
Meceivi Khieya’s Inspiring Success Story Sets the Stage
This season of the Nagaland Next Top Player initiative builds upon the remarkable success of Meceivi Khieya, the winner of Season 1. Khieya’s inspiring journey saw him secure an eight-month professional contract with Thonburi United in Bangkok. His achievement has not only been life-changing for him but has also served as a powerful inspiration for aspiring footballers across Nagaland, proving that the state is indeed a breeding ground for world-class football talent.
The selected quartet will now embark on a crucial phase of their development. They will first undergo a comprehensive month-and-a-half-long intensive training regimen with Progressive Sports Consultants in Chümoukedima. This crucial period will focus on refining their technical skills, tactical understanding, and physical conditioning under the guidance of experienced coaches. Following this crucial preparation, the players will travel to Thailand in July 2025 for a one-month professional training and try out with Thonburi United. Their performance during this period will be pivotal in determining their final selection for the 2025–2026 season, with the potential to secure professional contracts with the Thai club.
The selection of Laiwang Bohham, Kevisanyu Peseyie, Bepeto Assumi, and Enyiebe Thopi marks another significant step forward in elevating the profile of Nagaland football. These opportunities provide invaluable exposure and experience that will contribute to their individual growth and the overall development of the sport in the state. The Nagaland Next Top Player program continues to be a beacon of hope, fostering dreams and creating tangible pathways for talented youngsters to achieve their aspirations of playing professional football on an international platform.