Aizawl, 5 May (Zoram News) : The Reliance Foundation Developmental League (RFDL) is nearing the end of its second season, with ATK Mohun Bagan and the Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) team already qualified for the National Championship. While the other two spots are still up for grabs, three clubs from Mizoram - Chanmari FC, Chawnpui FC, and Ramthar Veng - are among the 20 teams competing for the final four spots.
The RFDL has brought a ray of hope to Mizoram football, which has struggled in recent years due to declining craze for the Mizoram Premier League and the government's anti-liquor policy. Tata Trusts, which started a residential academy in Aizawl in 2018, also shut down its operation in 2020, adding to the financial crunch. In such difficult times, the RFDL has given Mizoram clubs a chance to shine on the national stage and reap the benefits of systematic planning, professional management, and better match day facilities.
Chawnpui FC will play their last match of the season on May 5, needing to win against Garhwal FC to overtake Chanmari FC in the Delhi group of the national group stages. The local football ecosystem in Mizoram has traditionally been the main form of entertainment for the Mizo community since the 1970s, and the RFDL has revived their hopes of making it big in the sport.