The biggest teams in the North East may come together for a mega pre-season tournament starting next year.
In what is sure to be music to the ears of Indian football lovers, three teams from the I-League and one from the Indian Super League are in talks to hold the North East Cup as a warm-up exercise for their respective seasons.
Defending I-League champions Aizawl, Shillong Lajong and recently promoted Neroca FC have given their consent to the tournament, as have ISL side North East United.
“The plan was to hold it this year but it didn’t happen. Talks have been positive but we are yet to confirm the dates and the exact number of teams,” said a spokesperson for the John Abraham-owned North East United.
Neroca owner Noaba Thangjam said it is an important step towards further boosting the sport’s already-massive popularity in the region.
“We want a dynamic tournament where our players can showcase their skills. We don’t want to restrict it to one region either. We want to hold the tournament for the first year right here [in Imphal], then move to Meghalaya, Mizoram or Guwahati the next year and so on,” said Thangjam of his vision for the tournament.
The Manipuri side have already played North East United at the Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal this pre-season while they will also lock horns with Aizawl and Lajong in the I-League.
Other sides that have been touted as potential participants in the tournament are the Bhaichung Bhutia-owned Sikkim United and I-League division two side Langsning.