With road access cut off, Wangshem’s parents, Y Pongshing Konyak and W Liphen Konyak, walked nearly 20 kilometres from Tanhai to receive their son. Hailing from Tanhai, a remote village in Wakching Circle of Mon district, Wangshem became one of the youngest footballers from Nagaland to taste international success. A dream that began at threeWatching his son’s natural talent flourish, Pongshing was determined to let him pursue his passion. “Wangshem’s love for football started very early, when he was around three years old. In 2022, Wangshem was among those selected during the Khelo India U-14 trials organised by the Mon District Football Association.