"The talent of Mizoram's youth is known across the country. Your love for football, your love for sports is known and we want to see future Ronaldos and Messis from Mizoram," Rahul had said. Mizoram is the second northeastern state after Manipur to win the trophy.
"One day, we will produce Messis and Ronaldos, but we are still at the very beginning of that dream. Earlier, Mizoram tried to clinch top football titles of the country without building a base, but we have learnt from our mistakes and efforts are on to hone young talent. Working with FIFA and AIFF, the state has implemented the FIFA Grassroots Course very effectively and we can see the change. The state FA recently won an award for football policy implementation," Lal Thanzara, president of Mizoram Football Association, said.
Referring to the AICC vice-president's commitment to Mizo footballers, Lal Thanzara, who is also the state's health minister, said Rahul's speech worked wonders by inculcating a sense of confidence among Mizo footballers.
"If top leaders of the country give assurances and impart confidence, the effect is always positive. Rahul's promise to build new stadiums in all the districts of the state has enlivened Mizoram's football," Lal Thanzara added.
The ruling Congress in Mizoram has already built three artificial grass stadiums in Mizoram, while the fourth is under construction at Champhai district.
"BJP president Rajnath Singh came, but did nothing. Rahul gave Mizo youths what they needed-confidence," Lal Thanzara said.
Mizoram sports minister Zodintluanga, too, gave the credit to Rahul and said his visit had a positive effect on the sports scenario of the state.
"The people of Mizoram have a close affinity with the Gandhi family. We do not need essays from political leaders. We need a practical solutions and he did that by giving Mizo youths what they craved for-football stadiums," Zodintluanga said.
Lalnghinglova Hmar, honorary secretary of the state FA, attributed the Mizoram team's success to the untiring efforts of sports minister Zodintluanga and Lal Thanzara, president of the state FA.
"They left no stone unturned to promote football in the state. Mizoram dreamt of clinching this title for so many years. They knew it and gave it their all. Now, this dream has become a reality," Hmar said.