Lallianzuala Chhangte is a man resurrected in the international arena. Since his debut as a teenager in 2015, the 26-year-old has been erratically a part of the National Team; until 2023.

Over the last couple of years, the diminutive winger has put in some inspiring performances that have now made him a key member of the Blue Tigers’ squad. 

While Chhangte had missed selection for the final squad for the Asian Cup in 2019, his selection for the current edition came as no surprise to anyone.

“I’m really excited and looking forward to it,” beamed Chhangte. He added, “It’s an honour to be able to represent my country at the highest level. I could not make it to the final squad in 2019, so it really is a dream for me to be here now.”

Chhangte has had a phase of his career where he had to go through a trial by fire, juggling rejections and injuries at the same time. 

However, it is an experience that the 26-year-old believes has made him what he is today – a “mature” man.

“I’ve been more mature as a player and a human being in the last few years, and I think that’s what has helped me get to this stage at the moment,” he said. “Mostly during the hard times when I would be dropped from the team or suffer injuries (in 2021), I learned so many lessons. It was a very hard time, but it helped me focus on the important things and become a better human.

“I would not be the player I am today, had I not experienced them,” he said. “I’m much clearer in my mind about what I have to do.”

Chhangte has played at some of the biggest stages for both club and country in 2023, an experience that he feels puts him in good stead ahead of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023.