Wangshem Konyak helps India’s Minerva Academy lift Gothia Cup in Sweden and Helsinki Cup in Finland; dreams of playing for the national team.
Dimapur, July 24: A 12-year-old footballer from Nagaland’s Mon district returned to a hero’s welcome on Friday after helping India’s Minerva Academy FC U-12 side clinch two of the world’s most prestigious youth football tournaments—the Gothia Cup in Sweden and the Helsinki Cup in Finland.
Wangshem Konyak, a native of Tanhai village, was felicitated at Dimapur Airport by the Konyak Students’ Union Dimapur, Konyak Union Dimapur, KNSKD, Tanhai Students’ Union Dimapur and Tanhai Union Dimapur, who hailed his achievement as a proud moment for Nagaland.
Having started playing football at just three years of age, Wangshem has rapidly emerged as one of the state’s brightest young football talents. Representing Minerva Academy FC, he played a key role in India’s successful campaign against top youth teams from across the world.
Speaking to reporters after his arrival, the youngster recalled that the tournament final against Brazil was the toughest match he had played.
Despite his early success, Wangshem said his biggest dream is still ahead—to wear the Indian jersey at the senior international level. He also revealed that Argentine football icon Lionel Messi is his greatest inspiration.
Wangshem’s remarkable feat has not only brought pride to his family and Mon district but has also shone a spotlight on the growing football talent emerging from Nagaland, reinforcing the state’s reputation as one of India’s most promising nurseries for the sport.
