As Aizawl FC win the I-League title on the pitch, their fans win hearts off it

What’s the story?

Aizawl FC scripted history by winning the I-League title this season, but it was their fans who won our hearts as they cleaned up the trash left in Shillong Lajong’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday.

As Khalid Jamil’s men won the unlikeliest of titles, their jubilant fans showed another side of themselves as they collected and disposed of the litter in the stands of the stadium.

The context

With their heart-warming gesture, the fans of Aizawl FC have ensured their club become a feel-good story in Indian sports. As celebrations for Aizawl’s triumph continued late into the night, the fans — majority of whom were from Mizoram — reminded everyone that all is not wrong in Indian football.

The gesture from Aizawl’s fans earned a lot of praise from high profile persons. RG Lyngdoh, the former deputy chief minister of Meghalaya said: “Thank you Aizawl football fans for cleaning the trash after the match yesterday at Polo. This speaks volumes of your attitude. We, the rest, should learn from them.”

The heart of the matter

Aizawl played out a 1–1 draw with Shillong Lajong on Sunday to seal their title win. The Mizoram outfit were playing catching up after conceding in the first half to Dipanda Dicka’s 11th goal of the season, but a second half equaliser from William Lalnunfela meant that Aizawl became the first club from North East India to win the biggest prize in Indian football.

As the celebrations continued ensued, fans of the champions did something that sets an example to an entire nation. Their gesture has won many hearts, suggesting that fans of other Indian clubs have a lot to learn from the fans of Aizawl.

What’s next?

Aizawl’s league win sets them up nicely for the upcoming Federation Cup. The Redshirts were runners-up last year, but their tails will be up this season and a double is in their sights. However, it remains to be seen if we will witness their amazing fans in numbers in the cup competition, as all the matches are set to be hosted in Cuttack.

Author’s take

Like the performance on the pitch of their club, Aizawl’s fans delivered a moving performance in the stands. Aizawl’s title win this season by beating the budget is something that will be followed and aped by other clubs in the future, and their fans’ moving act at the end of the match is something that fans of other clubs ought to follow.