Exclusive: From scoring goals at AFC Cup to winning I-League, Beikhokhei Beingaichho still searching for a club to play

20 April 2010. AFC Cup Group D - Al Ittihad vs. East Bengal (Aleppo, Syria). The Syrian side is 2-0 up with roughly ten minutes to go. East Bengal is staring at yet another AFC Cup defeat but their hope of mounting a comeback gets rekindled by a diminutive Mizo player, Beikhokhei Beingaichho.

Then only 19, Beikhokhei collects a pass from Sanju Pradhan, turns away his marker, and unleashes a scorching strike to make it 1-2, scoring his first goal for East Bengal, that too at one of Asia's biggest platforms.

Beikhokhei scored at the AFC Cup in 2015 again. This time for Bengaluru FC against Myanmarese club Ayeyawady United, to become one of the very few players in India to score for two different clubs at the continental competition. But today, he is staring at oblivion and searching for a club to play.

Early days to glory with Bengaluru FC

Beikhokhei's journey in Indian football began at an early age when he decided to leave the comforts of his hometown at Siaha, Mizoram, to train with the IFA Academy in Haldia, West Bengal.

After signing his first senior contract with George Telegraph and a two-year stint with East Bengal, he followed then-head coach Phillipe de Ridder's footsteps to play for United Sikkim in 2011 in the I-League Second Division. But, his real calling came when he signed for Bengaluru FC in 2013.

Beikhokhei was a part of the squad that clinched the I-League trophy in their very first season. He credits the club's professionalism for their triumph and believes it brought a whole new change in the Indian football ecosystem.

Plying his trade for four seasons with Bengaluru FC, his favourite moment remains the assist he provided to Robin Singh against Mumbai FC in an I-League match in 2014. Trapping an aerial long pass from midfield on the right-wing, Beikhokhei dribbled past two defenders inside the penalty box, took the ball to the byline, and curled a lobbing inswinger. Robin Singh towered above his marker to head the ball into the net and put the team back in contention.

Bengaluru FC drew that match but Beikhokhei produced similar exhibits of artistry a plethora of times that season and ended the competition with eight assists, the most by any player in the I-League, which earned him the moniker of 'assist king.'

On Igor Stimac and Udanta's rise

Despite a stellar 2014 season, Beikhokhei didn't get a call-up to represent India as the country played only two international matches that year. Later on, head coach Stephen Constantine gave opportunities to only a selected set of players and he was left out.

But, Beikhokhei believes the present scenario is different. While the result has not gone entirely in the new head coach Igor Stimac's way, his willingness to try out new players makes it easier for everyone to represent India.

Beikhokhei's career trajectory went downhill from 2015 when Udanta Singh began to make an impression. The Manipuri speedster is arguably the best winger in India at the moment. But, Beikhokhei believes that if he got the same set of opportunities, he would have been at the same place where Udanta is today.

ISL Draft snubbing

But, what left Beikhokhei broken-hearted was staying unsold at the ISL Players Draft. The negotiations with Bengaluru FC regarding an extension were going smoothly but miscommunication with his doctor and agent resulted in his exclusion.

Leaving the disappointments behind, Beikhokhei went on to sign for Mohun Bagan in the I-League. However, the team had already figured out their tactics and playing style from the Calcutta Football League. Hence, he could impress the club management to make only five appearances. Since then, he is searching for a club to play.

The 28-year-old faced a similar ordeal in 2012 when he was abandoned by all the clubs. It was Pradyumn Reddy, then an assistant coach with Bengaluru FC, who called him to give a trial with the club.

Changing times in club football in India

The ISL and I-League running parallelly, and not merging, makes it tougher for players like him to stage a comeback. The number of club competitions in India has also reduced in the last few years. As a result, the clubs are not taking incentives to expand their squad which is detrimental for the growth of Indian football.

Beikhokei's agony with knee injuries started back in 2011. He underwent an operation but suffered minor injuries thereafter. Now, he claims to be fully fit and raring to go.

'No club is big or small to me'

The AIFF's decision to request Asian Football Confederation to grant the ISL champions the AFC Champions League Qualifiers spot has virtually relegated the I-League to the second division. But, Beikhokhei is desperate to make a comeback in club football and no team is small or big for him.

When asked about his retirement plans, Beikhokhei replies that he would like to contribute to the country's grassroots programs. India has taken huge strides in the last five years to nurture the grassroots and he believes every club has played a huge role in it.