Gazing across the vast expanse of Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on August 31, 2024, football fans witnessed a historic moment that will be etched in the annals of Indian football. NorthEast United FC (NEUFC), a club that has been striving for recognition in the sport, finally clinched their inaugural major trophy by winning the Durand Cup. The conquest was made even sweeter as they outplayed the defending champions, Mohun Bagan Super Giants (MBSG), in a gripping final.
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The match was nothing short of a rollercoaster. After a challenging first half, where NorthEast United found themselves trailing 2-0, the second half saw a dramatic reversal. NEUFC orchestrated a breathtaking comeback, leading the game to a nail-biting penalty shootout where they emerged victorious 4-3. The final was marked by a series of intense moments, with the MBSG, chasing a record-extending 18th Durand Cup title, initially seemed to have the upper hand. However, NEUFC’s steely determination shone through. Guillermo Fernandez, a super sub for NEUFC, was instrumental in leveling the score at 2-2. His volley, a result of a perfectly executed cross from Moroccan forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie, breathed new life into the NorthEast United side. Ajaraie, who had already ignited NEUFC’s hopes with a goal in the 55th minute, provided an assist that set the stage for Fernandez’s equalizer. The tactical brilliance and sheer tenacity of NEUFC’s players turned the tide in their favor.
The penalty shootout showcased the resilience of NEUFC’s goalkeeper, Gurmeet Singh, who displayed remarkable composure under pressure. Singh’s two crucial saves were pivotal, securing the win and etching his name into the club’s history books. Despite MBSG’s impressive record in previous knockout stages, the final saw their fortunes falter against the indomitable spirit of The Highlanders.
For the dedicated supporters of NEUFC, including team owner and Bollywood star John Abraham, the victory was a moment of pure elation. Abraham, who co-founded NEUFC with the vision of representing the football-rich North-East region of India, was present at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium to witness this landmark achievement.Established in 2014, NEUFC was one of the founding teams of the Indian Super League (ISL), and after a decade of toiling hard, it has grabbed its first major silverware.This win is seen as a milestone not just for the club, but for the broader football ecosystem in India. This triumph is expected to enhance the club’s visibility, attract more fans, sponsors, and potentially top-tier players, thus paving the way for future successes in the ISL.
While NEUFC's victory in the 132nd edition of the Durand Cup, a storied football tournament, reinforced their status as a burgeoning force in Indian football and having previously analyzed NEUFC's outstanding performance in the final, it is alsoessential to acknowledge John Abraham's dedication to football and his vital role in founding the club in a region previously underrepresented in India's football ecosystem.
John Abraham, a prominent Bollywood actor, has been a significant figure in promoting football in India. He had conceptualized his club not only as a football team but also as an initiative to inspire young players from the NE region to pursue football as a profession. However, the journey wasn't without its challenges. John faced numerous hardships, ranging from financial constraints to logistical issues, and the daunting task of building a competitive team in a nascent league. The North-East region, while passionate about football, lacked the infrastructure and facilities compared to other parts of the country. Despite these obstacles, John remained committed to his vision. His hands-on involvement with the club, whether in team management or promotion, helped NEUFC gain a strong following and gradually become a competitive force in the ISL. In a post victory video, posted in NEUFC’s social media handle, John remarked, “The feeling of winning the Durand Cup has not yet sunk in. This is just a lesson for all to never give up, to hold on to the team and support the team, not just in winning times but even when we are losing.”(Source : X)
Mandar Tamhane, CEO of the North East United football club, reflected on the triumph, honoring the North-East region and acknowledging the fans' unwavering support.“It is a proud moment for all of us at the football club. It is the first trophy that the club has won and we would like to dedicate this trophy to all our fans," Tamhane said, while expressing his views to the media.
As per media reports, Tamhane added, “We are a club which represents eight states, not just one state or one city. It’s a big responsibility for us when we represent our fans. This victory is for the fans, they deserve it for supporting the club through highs and lows. It’s the first victory and it’s very special.”
As a native of North East, I fully endorse these statements and proudly say that John Abraham's dream of NEUFC representing the region's multifaceted culture and football enthusiasm is gradually unfolding into reality.His investment has been crucial in sustaining the club through its formative years and ensuring that it has the means to compete at a high level.Abraham was a recent guest on Ranveer Allahbadia's acclaimed podcast, The Ranveer Show, where he provided insight into his goals and aspirations for football in India and its global recognition. Citing a few excerpts from that show, Abraham said, “I want a Lionel Messi, coming out from my academy and play for India. I am planning to open my own football academy in Shillong. This academy I’m building will be best in India. It will need two years and needless to say, requires massive funds. So, I am begging corporates for funds because I want to provide boarding, lodging, education and all other necessities for the poor children between eight to eighteen years of age, who will be playing in my academy.” The seasoned actor has thoroughly researched and developed a robust plan to study the gap between European football academies and those present in India. By doing in-depth groundwork, he has build a fool proof plan to bridge the gap. He mentioned, “I have visited European academies like those of Southampton FC, Porto and Ajax just to see how they are built and run.”(Source : TRS)
Through his club NEUFC, he has already taken several steps to promote football in North East India.A talent scouting initiative was organized in May 2024 at Naharlagun, Arunachal Pradesh, with 700 emerging talents in attendance. To augment its under-17 and reserve teams, the club conducted a talent hunt to identify potential players.(Source : The Arunachal Times)
The club is also considering the possibility to revive the Dr. T. Ao Football Tournament, a popular event before the COVID-19 pandemic. In a recent media report, representatives from eight northeastern states in the country had convened in the last week of August 2024, in Shillong (Meghalaya), with a shared vision of advancing football in the region. The gathering coincided with the city’s enthusiasm for the Durand Cup 2024 semi-final, which saw local favourites Shillong Lajong FC (SLFC) face off against NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) ; the match saw eventual champions, NEUFC defeat SLFC 3-0.
Clearly, all these speaks about how the North East United football club, spearheaded by John Abraham, is working religiously towards community engagement through the game of football, in the North East Region.NEUFC has also invested in improving football infrastructure in the region, including setting up training centers with modern facilities. These facilities not only serve the club's needs but also provide local players with access to better training environments. NEUFC has a strong fan base in the North-Eastand the club regularly engages with its supporters through events, fan meets, and social media *( NEUFC official Instagram handle has 297k followers ; X, formerly Twitter has , 428k followers). This engagement has helped build a strong football culture in the region. Through these initiatives, John Abraham’s NEUFC has not only contributed to the growth of football in the North-East but is also playing a significant role in empowering the region's youth and enhancing the sport's infrastructure and culture. By harnessing the potential of such initiatives, the club can further elevate the quality of football in the northeast, capitalizing on the region's rich legacy and enthusiasm for the “beautiful game”.
While India has achieved global recognition in cricket, there is a need to excel in other sports on the international stage. More ambassadors& investors for different sports, like John Abraham, can help India produce world-class athletes in various disciplines, leading to greater national pride. When celebrities and influential personalities advocate for different sports, it can shift public perception and encourage broader acceptance and enthusiasm for those sports. John Abraham’s efforts in the direction of promoting football in the country has shown that if more prominent figures come and promote“other sports” (not just cricket), it can inspire young people to pursue careers in those fields. Abraham’s impact from a reel-hero to a real-life hero is indeed a storyline for the ages.
Overall, NorthEast United's Durand Cup 2024 victory has been a significant milestone in the team's growth and performance, and is expected to have a lasting impact on their future success.
