By Dhruv Shah,

AIFF MEDIA TEAM

New Delhi: Hailing from the state of Mizoram, the Chanmari Zothan Futsal team are raring to advance in the inaugural edition of the Hero Futsal Club Championship. With the team excited and fully prepared ahead of the extravaganza, we can expect some fireworks from them!

Having been drawn in Group A alongside Super Strikers FC, Baroda FC, and Mohammedan SC, it is a tough path for Chanmari Zothan to navigate their way to the semi-finals of the tournament. However, their coach, Samuel Lalrinzuala Sailo, is confident that his team has the skills and the belief to go all the way in the tournament.

When quipped about how Futsal can intrigue fans and players alike, coach Samuel Sailo had some interesting views. He said, “Futsal is a fast-paced game that helps a player develop technically and tactically. In Futsal, quick and accurate decision-making are essential during all phases of the game. Futsal is ideal for a player’s skill development.”

Coach Sailo continued, “Some of the greatest ever players to have played football have started out with Futsal. Players like Pele, Ronaldinho, Neymar, all developed skills while playing futsal, and this can be a starting point for many emerging players in India as well.”

The coach does not believe that there are any individual stars in his team, saying “Futsal is a team game where each and every player has equal importance. All of the players in the team are the best in their own positions, so all the players are the best from my point of view.”

Winners of their two local futsal leagues, the Chanmari Zothan coach knows that the entire state of Mizoram will be cheering for them. Sailo had some special praise reserved for the club’s assistant manager, Mr. Joe Lalrammuana. Mr. Sailo said that the dedication of Mr. Joe has proven to be an extra source of motivation to each and every person at the club.

Mr. Samuel also had some kind words for the All India Football Federation. He said, “This tournament is a milestone for the AIFF. I hope this tournament will pave way for the grassroots project in Futsal all over India. Through this tournament, our country has the capability of hosting bigger Futsal events, not just nationals but international ones.”