The Football Family from Mizoram!

Football runs in the family of Lalpekhlkula, an Indian soccer player.Born in the Hnahthial town of Mizoram, Lalpekhlua inherited his talent from his father and elder brother who played for a local Mizo club.His uncle was a Santosh Trophy player for Mizoram.The 23-year-old striker came to prominence at the Wai Wai Cup (a local football tournament) in 2007.

His thunderous right foot goals not only earned him a Mizoram U-19 call, he was among the 3 players from Mizoram who were selected in the U-19 National trials in Gwalior.His family started believing in his dream.

"Initially I was reluctant because football had less scope during my time. But his performance changed my mind," said Mr. Kima Lalpekhlua, his father.

Lalpekhlua owes all his career to Colm Toll, the U-19 national coach, who shaped him into a good footballer.

"He spent 3 months with me and trained me like his own child," said Lalpekhlua who at that time was down with a knee injury.

He was spotted in the Goa camp by Pune FC scouts.He remained with Pune FC for 5 years and in the summer of 2013 he signed for Dempo.

"Pune FC made me the footballer that I am. I am thankful to everyone in my former club. I wanted to move to Goa as football is big here. Hope I will only get better," said Lalpekhlua.

His senior international career started with a bang – With 4 goals in his first three appearances, he had become Bob Houghton’s (former national coach) favourite striker.Interestingly, his first international tournament was Bob Houghton’s last.

"Seniors like Sunil and Syed encouraged me a lot. It improved my game. I had a knack of scoring in crucial games, it impressed my coach."

His favourite football moment, was his four goals performance against Pakistan in the U-19 South Asian Games.

"Scoring against our arch rivals is always special," he further added.

Playing for The Whites (nickname of Dempo), he understands that he must always keep himself fit and overcome his long standing knee injury.

He wears the 10 jersey for India, a revered number in the footballing world.

"I am happy that I wear the same number as Pele and Maradona," he says.

The number means responsibility. Lalpekhlua knows it by heart.