Shillong: Calling the Northeast the “hotbed of football” in India, actor and Northeast United FC co-owner John Abraham on Friday said his unwavering faith in the region stems from the fact that nearly 70 per cent of players representing the country come from the Northeast. Expressing confidence in Meghalaya’s sporting future, he also lauded the state’s growing sports infrastructure and Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s efforts to promote sports.
Responding to a question on why he has so much faith in the Northeast and Meghalaya, John said the region has consistently produced some of India’s finest footballers.
“The Northeast is the hotbed of football in the country. Seventy per cent of the players who represent India come from the Northeast, which is why I am proud and honoured to represent this region. The people here have allowed me to represent them, and I want to make them proud,” he said.
Speaking about Meghalaya’s sporting future, John congratulated Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma for his proactive approach towards sports development.
“I think it’s great. Congratulations to Conrad. He’s done a fantastic job and has been very proactive. The National Games are going to be held in Meghalaya next year, and India’s largest football stadium is being built in Shillong,” he said.
Highlighting Northeast United FC’s long-term vision, John said the club’s Centre of Excellence is being developed adjacent to the upcoming stadium.
“Our academy, Northeast United FC’s Centre of Excellence, is just next to the stadium. We are building South Asia’s number one football academy. We also plan to include other sports like judo, boxing, wrestling and weightlifting. We want to concentrate on sport,” he said.
Calling Sangma “one of the most proactive and smartest chief ministers,” John credited the state government for creating an environment conducive to sporting excellence.
On being asked about the growth of Indian football and whether greater support from the Centre was needed, John acknowledged that more assistance was required.
“I think there’s a lot of support that’s needed. The support wasn’t good enough. We’re hoping this year everything changes. Now, football clubs own 90 per cent of the league, so I think you’re going to see a very positive change.
“We want crowds to come in and support us. We want the people of the Northeast to support our team because we’re very proud of our team, and we want to make this happen,” he added.
John also said Northeast United FC is aiming to build on its recent success after winning the Durand Cup twice.
“If we win it again this year, it’ll be our third year in a row. But our aim is not only to win the Durand Cup. We also want to win the Indian Super League. It’s high time we won it. We’ve made it to the playoffs three times, but we’ve not won it. That’s our next step,” he said.
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