There’s a usually a fight during the finals of the annual Mini International Football Tournament in Madras Christian College (MCC), Tambaram- especially when the teams are neck-to-neck. This year, however, was different.
The tournament is believed to have begun in the latter half of the 1990s. This year it was held from 10–29 Novemeber. The name is a misnomer as most teams are domestic. Yet, nationalist sentiments were visible. At this year’s tournament from November 10-29, Tibetan supporters proudly displayed their national colours of red and dark blue. Mizo supporters sang the Zotlang Ram Nuam (the Mizo national anthem) to cheer their teams.
The tournament was started by Thai and Tibetan youth of Chennai, and they gave the ‘international’ name. Later, other teams, like the Chennai Mizo Welfare Association (CMWA) and the Naga Students Union-Chennai (NSUC), were invited. “The tournament today, is largely a forum for interaction for youth of Mongoloid races, in Chennai,” says Asun, Sports Secretary, NSUC. Northeastern and Tibetan youth, living in Chennai come out in full strength to cheer their teams. Most of them come here to study or work in the IT sector.
The tournament is a jamboree for these people for whom football is an important part of life. This year too, the spirit of the players and the 150 spectators was in no way dampened by the rain. A kind soul passed around whisky in an army liquor flask to warm up the drenched fans. Tibetan fan Dorje said, that the previous day trains only ran from Kodambakkam. Trains usually start from Beach, but could not as the tracks were flooded by the rain. Teams and fans spent at least Rs.100 per auto to get to the railway station. Asked why they chose to play in Tamabaram, on the outskirts of Chennai, Mizo player Samuel said that the MCC grounds are one of the best in Chennai. “It is also convenient as most players are resident students in MCC,” said Samuel. NSUC’s Asung added that the MCC grounds are free of cost and it is a lot easier to book them than other grounds like Loyola College.
Ten teams participated this year. They were: Tibetan Students Association-Madras (TSAM)- 2 teams; CMWA- 2 teams; NSUC; Manipur; Andaman & Nicobar Islands; Arunachal Pradesh; Stars of Africa and United Tribes (a mixed bag of players from different states and countries). No Thai team has appeared for a couple of years due to a lack of players. This year, CMWA- Team ‘A’ and NSUC made it to the finals, while CMWA- Team ‘B’ and TSAM- Team ‘A’ battled for the third place on Saturday, 29 November on the MCC Football Grounds. The third place match saw some wonderful football. The players fought it out in the slush, seemingly tireless even as the game progressed to the second half. Tibetan captain Dorje Tsering led the team to a 2-1 victory against the Mizos.
The final match between CMWA and NSUC saw tensions run high, as the CMWA aimed to win the tournament for the third consecutive time. The previous champions were the NSUC in early 2006. This year the Mizos fielded former Indian Bank forward Lalchhauchhuah. NSUC’s Asung described the 2006 win as his most memorable moment as the match was a tough contest and his team scored the wining at the last moment. He has been playing since 2003. This year the teams were equally good and were equal at 2-2, when the match ended.
There were tense moments of the field and scuffles were averted by timely pacification by Mizo captain Michael, an MCC student. The referees and linesmen worked hard to keep spectators off the field during the match. The Mizos won in the penalty shootout 3-0 and with it the Mini International.
Mizo supporters cried and leaped in ecstasy when the winning goal was scored. Fireworks were lit and players huddled around on the ground for a thanksgiving prayer. A crestfallen Asung said that they are hope to break the Mizo jinx next year. A lot of good youngsters are expected next year, he said. On why female support for the Mizos was more than the other teams, captain Michael said it was because of “girl-magnet goalkeeper Lalhmangaizuala.” The female fans were not willing to comment.
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