Lajong FC becomes first North east team to play in First Division league

Guwahati, Jan 31 (ANI): The Lajong Football Club- which is the pride of Northeast football, was recently promoted to the I-League First Division for the 2009-10.

Soccer mania is at its peak in the northeast and the discussion everywhere from roadside kiosks to government offices, is about Lajong, the first team from the Northeast to storm into the elite First division-league.

India's Northeast is regarded as the nursery of soccer. Hence, every kid fantasizes about bending it like Baichung Bhutia.

Top guns in many Indian football clubs hail from this region, but lamentably there are no professional clubs in the region.

The Lajong Football Club promises to achieve a whole lot more.

Their dream run in 31st Federation Cup recently was a testimony to the team's potential.

"our team is too young. However, the result of The Federation Cup and the success of The Federation Cup get a lot of hope for this team. Its that, this team has a lot of potential, true talent," said Jeremy Walang, a member of the club's support staff.

Established in 1983 to improve football standards, the Lajong Football Club has worked their skins out in the last 25 years.

After a history of 26 defeats, and then a striking performance in the Federation Cup, Lajong is now an inspiration for other clubs in the north east to take the game to the next level.

They exemplify the belief that "NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE" if the will to do it exists.

"The Government should come up with the development programme for football in this region. They should start and engross with the root level like school tournament and other things," said Coach Stanley Razario.

It has hoped that the government will help to promote the game that has become hugely popular in the region. By D. Henpilen (ANI)