DIMAPUR, JUL 29 (NPN): Highlighting both promise and challenges of football in Nagaland, Minerva Academy coach Tekametang Pongen shared his journey from the state to one of India’s leading football academies, while underlining the urgent need for stronger grassroots systems, infrastructure and exposure for young players. Pongen, who has been associated with Minerva Academy for the past five years, said his journey into professional football was driven by a deep-rooted passion for the game. He described the football ecosystem at Minerva as highly structured and professional, with a clear pathway for growth, something he believed was still lacking in Nagaland. At Minerva, players benefit from regular training, competitive matches, analysis and guidance from qualified coaches. “If we invest in youth development, it will naturally strengthen senior leagues in the future”, he said.