The Shillong boy who never gave up

BHUBANESWAR, 4th April, 2019 : Any top-level athlete has highs and lows in their career. Just like winning trophies, awards and getting fame, athletes also have to go through certain periods when they feel completely alone. India International, and current ATK midfielder Eugeneson Lyngdoh is one such footballer, who has seen it all during his career so far.

Hailing from Shillong, Eugeneson started off as an amateur footballer at Ar-Hima, a club that his father had also played for in the local leagues.

“Football has always been a big thing in Meghalaya. We all wanted to be footballers when we were kids. It was even more so for me, as I used to watch my dad play for Ar-Hima,” said Lyngdoh.

At the age of 17, the midfielder started to train with Ar-Hirma, but soon had to make the choice that many athletes have to make at some point in their lives – sports or studies!

“There were not that many opportunities for footballers back then, so I obviously decided to take up studies,” said Eugeneson. “My family also felt the same. So I took up that career path and joined an engineering college.

“But my mind was never in books. It was always out there on the field of play.”

‘FOOTBALL IN MEGHALAYA WILL NEVER FALL’

After spending three years in engineering college, Eugeneson decided to call it quits on studies, and try his luck at the ‘beautiful game’ once again. What helped him make this switch was Shillong Lajong’s promotion to the Hero I-League.

“Before Lajong, the future of footballers from our state was not very bright. But the club’s promotion was like a ray of hope for us all. They brought about a new wave of youngsters trying to make it as professionals,” he said. “I spoke to my family and we decided that it was worth a shot.

“Pradhyum Reddy gave me the opportunity at Lajong. I knew I couldn’t waste it, and knew I had to give it all to establish myself at the top level,” he said.

“Three clubs have always been at the forefront of football in Meghalaya – Lansning FC, Rangdajied United, and Shillong Lajong. It’s really sad to see Lajong get relegated from the I-League,” Lyngdoh heaved a sigh. “We need to have a club from our state in the top flight, in order to keep players coming through from the state,” he opined.

Lajong, in fact, have been one of the first teams to have an academy of their own, a concept which prompted other clubs to follow suit.

“Continuation will always be there. The U-13. U-15 and U-18 leagues will pave ways for these three clubs to keep giving opportunities to kids from the state to play and a platform to showcase their talents,” he said.

COMING OUT OF A DARK PLACE

Before Eugeneson got injured, he was arguably considered as the best midfielder on the subcontinent. As he moved on to Bengaluru FC from Shillong Lajong, he formed a formidable alliance with Sunil Chhetri, both for club and country.

This partnership saw Eugene win one Hero I-League, two Hero Federation Cups, and even saw the Blues make it to the final of the 2016 AFC Cup.

“I had a dream of playing the AFC Cup for a long time. Even when I had joined Lajong, I had told Pradhyum Reddy that I wanted to play it,” said Lyngdoh. “We came so close to winning it at Bengaluru FC. That final was a really special moment for me.”

Lyngdoh suffered two serious injuries in his career, so far. While he recovered sufficiently from the first one and went on to help Bengaluru FC reach the AFC Cup Final, the second injury, a torn lateral collateral ligament, was a more complicated affair.

This injury meant that Lyngdoh needed surgery to get back to the playing field.

“When the doctor told me that I needed surgery to save my playing career, all I thought was to get it done, done and get back to the pitch at the soonest.”

But the recovery post-surgery was difficult time for him. “I was in a very lonely place at that moment. It was not as if I did not have any friends. But what you have to understand is that when you are in a team, you are always surrounded by your fellow players,” said Lyngdoh.

“When you are recovering from a serious injury, you spend weeks or months in your hotel room, while your teammates are out travelling. It’s a very dark place, and I would not wish it upon any player,” he sighed.

“But my family and my girlfriend really helped me get through that phase. I was in a really dark place at that time, and I am thankful to all those who gave me the mental strength to come back from that.

“The strength in my belief in God also helped me get through because I was not afraid. When everyone is away, you know that God is always with you, watching over you,” he said.

Now, the star midfielder has recovered from his injuries and is preparing for the 2019 Hero Super Cup quarter-final against Delhi Dynamos FC. As he psyches himself up for the game, Lyngdoh quips a word of advice for all the young, aspiring footballers out there.

“Never be arrogant about anything. Always keep yourself grounded. Stay positive, and determined all throughout. You need to stay mentally strong to keep your dreams alive.”

by Aiff media

SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players

SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…

Share

India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here

India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…

Share

Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind

Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.

Share

Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign

Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…

Share

BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls

The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…

Share

Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team

Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…

Share

The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back

The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…

Share

BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb

Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE).  Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…

Share

India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career

After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…

Share

Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League

Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…

Share