He just completed 17 years on October 26. And at that age, Nikum Gyamar is all set to represent Rajasthan United FC at the I-League next season.
The promising midfielder from Arunachal Pradesh has proved to be one of the crucial members of his team when they emerged victorious in the I-League Second Division last week to qualify for the I-League.
“It has been a great experience. And I believe this is just the beginning. I need to work harder from now onwards so that I can live up to the expectations of my parents, my well-wishers and of course for myself,” Nikum told The News Mill.
Nikum Gyamar is at his hometown in Naharlagun near Itanagar after their success.
He became one of the youngest players ever to play I-League qualifiers.
“For a youngster like me coming from Arunachal Pradesh, it has been a great experience to play alongside the best players,” he said.
Nikum Gyamar was with the Rajasthan United Academy and later he was picked for the senior side.
Nikum’s father Gyamar Tajik represented the state on several occasions and some of the others too have played football at different levels.
Nikum is determined to make it big. “Since my childhood, I used to play football and wanted to make it big. I was advised to go out and I end up being at Bhilwara at the Rajasthan United Academy,” he said.
“Now I’m more confident and want to work harder in the days to come. I want to play for big clubs and also for the national team in future.”
Rajasthan United FC
Rajasthan United FC which is based in Jaipur was founded by football enthusiast engineering students in 2018 as JECRC CF (Jaipur Engineering College and Research Centre) and re-branded as Rajasthan United FC in 2020.
In collaboration with Witty International School, they set up its residential academy in Bhilwara.
Many termed it a fairytale journey from 2018 to 2021 when they are qualified to play in the I-League.
Former players from Arunachal
Gumpe Rime, the first footballer from Arunachal Pradesh to break into the national level in the mid-1990s has a word for the youngster.
“It’s a good thing to happen for Arunachal Pradesh that a young player is coming up. I hope he can continue to develop and make a place for himself in the days to come. I wish him good luck,” Rime, now one of the widely respected goalkeeping coaches and coach educators said.
If Nikum Gyamar finds a place in the senior side when Rajasthan United plays in the I-League next season, he will be the fourth player from Arunachal Pradesh to play in the top leagues of the country.
Rime played for now-defunct Mahindra United, Vasco, HAL, Salgaocar and Shillong Lajong among others from 1995. Then it was National Football League.
Then Nyamar Loyi represented Air India in 2006-07 and Techi Tatra played for Aizawl FC from 2017-2020.
