Rangamati: Footballer Nixon Chakma, who came from the remote hilly area of Bilaichhari upazila in Rangamati district, has proved his talent on the field. In spite of the limited facilities of the hilly region and financial constraints of his family, he is now a familiar name among football fans in Chattogram.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, inadequate practice opportunities and infrastructural limitations did not deter this young footballer from proving his talent in various levels of football leagues in Dhaka. Nixon is the youngest of two sons and one daughter of Mohan Lal Chakma, who earns his living by cultivating ‘jume’. Nixon’s passion for football began in childhood, and though he dreamed of completing his studies, he could not continue his bachelor’s degree due to his family’s poor condition.
Nixon recounted that after showcasing his football skills, some local people suggested he participate in a football trial in 2016 at the Rangamati District Football Stadium. His performance caught the attention of officials from the Rangamati District Sports Association, and he was subsequently given a chance to play for the Rangamati District Football team. Despite hardships, he participated in various divisional level competitions for the Chattogram district team in 2017, and later got the opportunity to play in Dhaka for the first time in 2018.
In 2019, Nixon signed a contract with Jatrabari Krira Chakra and played in the 1st Division football league as a center back. He successfully completed the 2021-22 season with NoFeL Sporting Club Dhaka, and was picked by Muktijoddha Krira Chakra for the 2022-23 seasons. Earlier, he spent a brief period with Quality Sporting Club, a team in the Chattogram Premier Football League, before joining Arambagh Krira Sangha, a traditional football team in Dhaka, for the 2023-24 sessions.
Nixon Chakma expressed, “Despite facing barriers and setbacks since the beginning of my football journey, I have been able to continue football because of hard work and determination. I never give up hope despite facing huge obstacles.” He emphasized that many young footballers from remote hilly areas aspire to make their mark at the top levels of football.
He further stated that with a little attention from the government and sports organizations, many talented footballers could emerge from the hilly areas. Nixon aims to wear the national team’s jersey and prove himself as one of the country’s top footballers. He urged relevant authorities to create more opportunities for Chattogram’s footballers so that they can play at the national level.