From football field to politics: Meet the striker set to become Mizoram's new sports minister

Mizoram Election Result 2023: Jeje Lalpekhlua Fanai is riding high in everything from politics to football. The former India forward won the Mizoram assembly elections, representing the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) from the South Tuipui constituency, months after he had hung up his boots. To win handily, Jeje defeated Mizoram's health minister and Mizo National Front candidate, R Lalthangliana. And now, if all goes according to plan, the former player of the Indian football team will take over as Mizoram's new sports minister.   

Jeje: Won South Tuipui Seat

After trying both club and international football for 11 years, the 32-year-old retired in February of this year. He joined ZPM in less than a month, and the main opposition party in the state has since gained the South Tuipui seat thanks to him. Jeje Lalpekhlua of the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) won the South Tuipui (ST) constituency with a commanding 5468 votes, securing an impressive electoral victory. For the constituency, the Mizo National Front (MNF) fielded Dr. R Lalthangliana, while the Indian National Congress (INC) selected C Laldintluanga as its candidate. But Jeje prevailed, affirming his standing as the selected representative for the South Tuipui people.

Jeje: key Member of Indian Football Team

Jeje was a key member of the Indian national football squad when he was playing. In 56 international games, he scored 23 goals during his debut in 2011; his most recent game was in 2019. Jeje participated in the local club scene for ATK Mohun Bagan, Chennaiyin FC, and East Bengal, among other teams. Jeje's tenure at Chennaiyin FC, where he was named the 2015 Emerging Player of the Year and won two Indian Super League championships, is what made him most famous. In addition, he is the Marina Machans' all-time goalscorer. In 2016, he won three SAFF titles and was named the AIFF Footballer of the Year. Along with these accomplishments, the former striker won the I-League title, a Federation Cup, an Intercontinental Cup, and a Tri-Nation series.

Like he does when competing against his opponents in the game, Mizoram's Jeje Lalpekhlua has never looked back from his career as a sharp striker on the football field to his election as an MLA. He has overcome all challenges with determination and selflessness. To date, Jeje Lalpekhlua has established himself as one of Indian football's top scorers, ranking second in the league's history.