AIFF polls: Former footballers can make a difference, says Eugeneson Lyngdoh

Panaji: Eugeneson Lyngdoh dropped out of his engineering degree in electronics and telecommunication to focus on football. It was his choice, and it turned out to be a great one as the midfielder represented the country for several years.
At his prime, he was the best in his position.
Last year, after the former Bengaluru FC midfielder had quit playing professional football, he had another choice to make. This was a tough one.
“After I stopped playing and dad passed away (last year), people wanted me to take his place. That’s how I got into all this,” Eugeneson told TOI late on Friday.
Eugeneson’s father, SK Sunn, was a popular politician and football administrator in Meghalaya. He owned Ar-Hima, later Rangdajied United, and was the legislator from Mawphlang seat in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills.
Sunn represented the constituency for over three years, until his untimely death in 2021.
Eugeneson contested the by-election and won. From there, his journey not just into politics but football administration also started.
“My father was the president of the Shillong Sports Association that runs the Shillong Premier League. The people of SSA convinced me to take his place. They made me the president. Now with (Larsing) Ming not being eligible due to the change in (AIFF) statutes, the Meghalaya Football Association nominated me,” said the former India midfielder.
He was handpicked as the Meghalaya FA representative after Larsing Sawyan was “deemed disqualified as per provisions of the draft Constitution,” for being part of the AIFF executive committee for three terms, the last two as vice-president.
Eugeneson’s nomination created plenty of buzz.
When rumours made the rounds that Eugeneson was contesting for the AIFF president’s post, he found it hard to believe. “That’s crazy,” he said, wondering how such news was floating around.
The MLA from Mawphlang, though, is not staying away from AIFF politics and will contest the election.
Eugeneson has filed his nomination for an executive committee member’s post. He’s keen to make a mark. At 35, he would be younger than most candidates aspiring to get into the AIFF, but his stint as a top-notch footballer should give him an edge.
“I still like to be called a former player than a politician,” said Eugeneson, who is among the 14 candidates battling for five executive committee member posts. “From my point of view, it’s important that footballers who have retired get involved with their respective state associations. They have so much to offer. They can make a difference at both state and national level.”
If needed, elections will be held on August 28 for president, one treasurer, five members from representatives of member associations and five eminent players.