Lallianzuala Chhangte is a name that resonates with ambition and determination in Indian football.
Hailing from a small town in Mizoram, he has ascended to captain Mumbai City FC and represent the national team.
In an exclusive conversation with ReadChhangte opens up about his journey, the challenges he faced, and the dreams he continues to pursue.
Overcoming hardships
Chhangte’s path to success has been anything but easy and yet it maintains a sense of humour when quizzed about his journey.
“It will take you one day to listen by. Do we have time for that?” he says with a smile.
His journey began at the Liverpool DSK International Academy, where he faced significant challenges.
“I still remember the first day I joined. I was not the best or most talented. I didn’t have much muscle; I was not strong enough. But I made up my mind since the first day I joined the academy. I was determined to play for India, at least one of the best clubs in India,” he says.
This determination was paired with an unwavering work ethic.
“I knew what I had to do. I had to work even harder than my teammates. I dedicated myself every single day,” he emphasizes.
For Chhangte, this relentless dedication has been crucial, leading him to where he is now, even though he believes it’s just the beginning of a long journey.
Growth at Mumbai City FC
Joining Mumbai City FC was a pivotal moment in Chhangte’s career.
“I think I became more mature because here it’s all about attention to details,” he explains.
The club provided an environment that fostered his development, allowing him to analyze his game more deeply than ever before.
Lallianzuala Chhangte (photo credit: FSDL)
“I’ve been doing a lot of extras with our coach, and I think that has played an important role,” he adds.
The trust placed in him by his coaches, particularly Petr helped solidify his belief in himself.
“After joining Mumbai City FC, I think I became more mature as a player and as a human being as well,” he recalls, noting that this growth marked a turning point in his career.
Embracing leadership
Now the captain of Mumbai City FC, Chhangte sees this role as a tremendous honor and responsibility.
“I truly appreciate the confidence and trust the team has placed in me,” he says, with most than a dash of humility.
Balancing the demands of leadership with his personal performance is a challenge he embraces.
“I want to ensure that I’ll do everything in my power to justify the trust,” he asserts.
His leadership style revolves around fostering unity and being an example for younger players.
“I promise to give it my all and support each and every one of us,” he explains.
For Chhangte, it’s vital that the focus remains on team success rather than individual accolades.
“At the end of the day, it’s not about individual achievements or recognition. It’s about us being together, it’s about the team,” he emphasizes.
The art of improvement
Chhangte’s evolution as a player is evident in his improved crossing abilities, a skill he has worked hard to refine.
“We used to analyze after every match how I performed in training and how I played in the match,” he shares.
“Particularly, we’ve been working a lot on my crossing using my right foot.”
The extra sessions with his coaching staff have made a tangible difference, and he hopes to contribute even more assists in the upcoming season.
Ambitions for the future
Chhangte’s aspirations for the future are ambitious yet grounded.
“I can’t say where I will be in five years, but I’m obviously happy in Mumbai City FC. I might still be there in five years; who knows?” he muses.
“I set my goals every year, which is to be better than last year—statistically, personally, as a human being, as a player.”
His collective goal is clear: to win multiple trophies, both individually and as a team.
“I hope this year will bring so much more success,” he concludes, embodying the spirit of a player dedicated to excellence.
When discussing the influence of legendary players like Sunil Chhetri, Chhangte acknowledges the challenge ahead in replacing him.
“There’s a huge gap to fill,” he admits, recognizing the immense legacy Chhetri leaves behind.
Yet, he emphasizes the importance of collective responsibility in the national team.
“I will take responsibility, but no one will ever fill the gap he left behind,” he states.
“Everyone has to take responsibility because we are all called up because we are the best in our clubs.” he concludes with a smile.
Lallianzuala Chhangte is not just a rising star; he’s a beacon of hope and inspiration.
As he forges ahead on this journey, the future looks incredibly bright for this talented winger.
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