‘Football Will Be the New Cricket’: NEUFC owner John Abraham as Highlanders set Bigger Ambitions

Northeast United FC co-owner John Abraham believes Indian football could be on the verge of a significant transformation, expressing confidence that the sport can emerge as one of the country's biggest sporting attractions.

Speaking at Northeast United FC's kit launch in Mumbai, Abraham acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Indian football but said the involvement of club owners in running the Indian Super League could lead to a major change in the sport's fortunes.

"I do feel down a lot of times. Not once, every year. I do feel down. But I honestly say this not because I am trying to market football in a one-sport country, which is cricket. But I feel football will be the new cricket from this year," he said.

Abraham added that the owners' increased involvement could bring about a "huge tandem shift" in Indian football. He also acknowledged the financial challenges faced by Northeast United compared to clubs backed by large corporations.

"Of course, it is difficult for someone like me. Because I am a single owner. And I am competing with multi-billion dollar corporates. But we are punching above our weight. We are very proud of ourselves. We are proud of our region, Northeast, we have got them into the main fold," the NEUFC owner added.

The club has also attracted support from several sponsors, including Reebok, Indian Oil, Meghalaya Tourism and Coal India. Abraham said the rise in sponsorships was an important indicator of growing confidence in the club.

Government support and Centre of Excellence

Abraham also highlighted the support received from the governments of Meghalaya, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, particularly from Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

"They have gone out of their way and I am very grateful to them for really supporting us," Abraham said.

A major part of the club's long-term plans is the proposed Centre of Excellence in Shillong. The Meghalaya government has provided 20 acres of land for the project, which Abraham hopes will eventually become one of India's leading sports academies.

Football will be at the centre of the academy, but the project is also expected to focus on sports such as weightlifting, boxing and archery, particularly disciplines in which athletes from the Northeast have traditionally performed strongly.

"I want India to win medals at the Olympics, and that's the aim. I want to be proud of my country, and I want to do that through my academy," he continued.

Northeast United's ambitions

Abraham also expressed confidence in Northeast United's immediate sporting prospects, describing the team as one of the top two or three sides in the league and stating that the club would challenge for the ISL championship. Looking further ahead, his ambition is to develop players capable of representing India and playing internationally.

"In the next two years, I think 70% of the national team players in U23 and the national football team, 60-70% will be from the North-East. And from our club and from our academy. And that's my aim."