Three local youths named Pragyan Medhi, Birendra Rabha Singh, and Nikhil Deka are making it in big in professional football. All three of them have braved several challenges to be at the place they are.
Pragyan Medhi is now a defensive midfielder for the Under-17 Indian National Team. Pragyan started from the grassroots level under coach, Subam Rabha. "I started playing seriously since 2012 when Subam Sir opened the academy," said Pragyan.
The U-17 footballer revealed that Subam Rabha and his academy helped him to reach the national level. "In 2012, when Subam Sir started the academy, there were not many students. We started out by playing local tournaments and he didn't even take fees from us. After several tournaments and trials, I am playing at this level," added Pragyan.
The youngster wishes to represent India at the senior level and play in the Indian Super League (ISL).
Birender Singh Rabha is a goalkeeper in ISL team Kerela Blasters Reserves. He credits Subam Rabha’s mentoring has guided him towards the right direction. "My journey started from 2012," said Birender.
He reflected back at his troubled past and acknowledge Subam Rabha's role in shaping a good attitude that he over the years have tried to inculcate. "I am this level due to that," Birender told G Plus.
Another success story is the goalkeeper Nikhil Deka, who is now set to play Northeast United Football Club (NEUFC) in the upcoming ISL. He too started his journey from Lutuma in 2012 under Subam Rabha and Lutuma Academy in Guwahati. Following this, he climbed through the ranks with Fateh NEUFC Youth Team, Hyderabad FC, Stadium FC and now NEUFC senior team. He has credited Subam Rabha for his success as well.
"Subam Sir has helped me a lot in playing", added Deka. Deka now wants to play for the national team. The goalkeeper also credited the ISL for shaping the football culture.
How a coach singlehandedly motivated these players?
All of the players are trained the same coach Subam Rabha. Subam was a former professional player but had to quit football due to his injury. His love for the game made him continue to stay with the sport. He is now the NEUFC Youth Coach along with working for grassroots development in football.
"I started by teaching them what I knew and it is their dedication that motivated me to continue,” Rabha told G Plus.
The achievements of his students have surpassed the expectations of even Rabha. "I never thought they will go so far ahead,” added Rabha.
Earlier, the parents were apprehensive about sending their kids to learn football. The youth coach has revealed that there has been a change in this mentality. "Many parents were skeptical earlier, but now sports can give you livelihood," said Subham Rabha.
Lutuma’s football culture has shaped their game
Lutuma is a small locality in Guwahati’s Kahilipara area. The Lutuma Academy has been set up by Subam Rabha near the local government primary school.
The locals as well as coach Rabha have credited Lutuma’s already existing football culture in shaping the players.
“I have seen seniors play football here as a kid and even my brother and this has influenced me a lot,” said Pragyan Medhi.
Coach Subam maintained that he has channelised the already existing interests. “This area and community is interested in football and almost everyone plays football here over cricket. I have just channelised that interest,” said Rabha.
The next generation has also followed the footsteps of their seniors and have gone on to play for national clubs. Abhijit Biswas, who has been trained under Subam Rabha, has played for NEUFC Youth team.
Another youth, Rohit Boro is now with Minerva Punjab FC as an attacking midfielder. He too has credited Rabha for his success. “Sir taught me how to receive and pass the ball,” he said.
Rabha has been overwhelmed by his students. “They have already crossed my expectations. I just hope they reach further heights,” he said while commenting on his players.
