Shillong, July 25: Meghalaya footballer Emboklang Nongkhlaw has taken a significant step in his career after signing with UAE Second Division side Al Rams Club, becoming one of the few footballers from the state to secure a professional contract overseas.
The 21-year-old attacker joins the Emirati club from Sreenidi Deccan FC, where he featured in seven I-League matches during the 2024-25 season. He did not make an appearance for the club in the 2025-26 campaign.
A native of Sohryngkham, Emboklang first came into the limelight after representing India at the U-16 level. He earned his place in the national squad under then coach Bibiano Fernandes and featured in an international friendly against the UAE in 2021.
His rise began after being selected for the Tata Trusts Centre of Excellence for Football in Aizawl, where his performances caught the attention of the national team selectors.
Before that, Emboklang had already built an impressive youth career. He was the highest scorer in the Mizoram U-15 League in 2019 and had represented local clubs Royal Wahingdoh and Shillong Lajong. He also featured for Meghalaya in the 2017 Sub-Junior National Championship and represented H Elias Higher Secondary School in the Subroto Cup in 2018.
In 2020, he joined Bengaluru FC’s youth setup and was part of the team that lifted the inaugural Reliance Foundation Development League title in 2022. He also represented Malki in the 2022 Shillong Premier League before moving to Sreenidi Deccan.
Emboklang is scheduled to leave for the UAE on Saturday ahead of the start of the new season, which begins on August 28.Expressing his gratitude, the young footballer thanked God, his family, the Meghalaya Football Association, the Shillong Sports Association and the people of Sohryngkham for their unwavering support throughout his journey.
“Joining Al Rams Club is a great honour and a wonderful opportunity for me. This is more than just a new club; it is a new challenge, a new environment and a chance to grow both as a football player and as a human being. I am excited to learn, improve and give everything I have for the club,” Emboklang said.
He acknowledged that moving away from home would be one of the biggest challenges of his career but said he remained confident in his faith and determination to succeed.
“I promise to give my very best, both on and off the pitch, remain professional, represent my family and my people with pride and make everyone who has supported me proud. This is not the end of a dream; it is the beginning of a new one,” he added.
