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A Passion for Football

Guwahati, May 30: For Singamayum Shami, football transcends mere goals, trophies, or recognition; it embodies pure happiness. Whether he is playing on the muddy fields of Yairipok Ngariyan in Manipur or leading India to triumph in the SAFF Under-19 Championship, his motivation for playing remains the same – joy.

“Football brings me happiness. Even as a child, just running around and playing with friends filled me with joy. That feeling persists today. I play because it gives me immense pleasure,” Singamayum shared with a gentle smile during a chat.

Ambitions Beyond Borders

However, beneath that joy lies a strong ambition and a dream that extends beyond national boundaries. After captaining India to a thrilling 4-3 victory over Bangladesh in the SAFF U-19 final on May 18, Singamayum aspires to showcase his skills on the global stage.

“I want to demonstrate that Indian players can compete in some of the finest leagues abroad,” he expressed. “It has always been my dream to participate in competitive foreign leagues and prove that we can excel just like players from Europe or South America.”

A Moment of Glory

His belief is fueled by passion and dedication. Singamayum’s remarkable free-kick goal in the SAFF final—a curling 30-yard strike that nearly eluded the Bangladeshi goalkeeper—has drawn comparisons to Ronaldinho’s legendary 2002 World Cup goal against England, and the moment quickly went viral.

“It was an incredible feeling,” he reminisced. “Even now, when I go out, people recognize me and say, ‘Wow Shami, that goal was fantastic.’ But for me, the greatest joy is simply playing the game.”

Overcoming Challenges

Singamayum’s journey to success was not without its challenges. As the son of a farmer, he faced limited resources and little guidance on how to pursue a career in professional football. It was a distant cousin who helped him take his first steps.

In 2019, at the young age of 13, he was selected by Punjab FC during a trial in Manipur, a pivotal moment that changed his life. “Since then, Punjab FC has been my home. The support I received has been immense. Coach Niko (Nikolaos Topoliatis) has always been there to guide me and help me improve. I owe a lot to Punjab FC,” he noted.

Inspired by Legends

A devoted admirer of Cristiano Ronaldo, Singamayum credits the Portuguese star’s work ethic and determination as a source of inspiration. “Even when I didn’t have a phone, I would borrow my brother’s just to watch Ronaldo’s videos. His passion motivates me. I also greatly admire Sahal Abdul Samad from Mohun Bagan,” he added.

Manipur’s fervor for football is evident in the national team, with seven of the eleven starters in the SAFF final hailing from the state. For Singamayum, this is no coincidence.

“In Manipur, football is woven into the fabric of life. Everyone aspires to play in the ISL or for the national team. This drives us to work harder, which is why so many players from Manipur are succeeding,” he explained.

The Future of Indian Football

As Indian football looks ahead, players like Singamayum not only bring talent and ambition but also serve as a refreshing reminder of the true essence of the game – it brings happiness to people.

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