Danny Meitei Laishram Shines with Hat-Trick in India's 8-0 Victory Over Sri Lanka
A Memorable Match for India
Yupia (Arunachal Pradesh), May 11: In a remarkable display of skill, midfielder Danny Meitei Laishram achieved a rare hat-trick during India's 8-0 triumph against Sri Lanka in their opening match of the SAFF U19 Championship 2025. The event took place at the Golden Jubilee Stadium, where enthusiastic fans, including Chief Minister Pema Khandu, cheered for the home team.
Following the match, Danny quickly became a local favorite, with fans eagerly requesting selfies, autographs, and even his Instagram handle. The 17-year-old proudly held onto the match ball, a symbol of his achievement, as he celebrated this milestone nearly four years after his debut in youth international football.
"Scoring my first international hat-trick was incredible. I owe a lot to my coaching staff and teammates for their support," Danny expressed, as reported on the official AIFF website.
He added, "I feel fortunate to have contributed to the team's success, and I aim to keep this momentum going." Danny dedicated his hat-trick to his family, sharing that he spoke to his parents, who were watching from home and were overjoyed by his performance.
His goals showcased his talent: a glancing header, a powerful left-footed shot, and a clever interception in the Sri Lankan penalty area that completed his hat-trick. "The first goal came from a header; I made my move into space and finished it. For the second, I spotted the angle and struck it hard," he recalled.
"The third was simpler, but I was tracking the Sri Lankan defender's movements, anticipating his pass. I had been beaten by him earlier, so I decided to be more strategic this time," he explained.
Danny's father had always encouraged him to pursue football, and witnessing his son's success on the tournament's opening day must have been a proud moment for him.
Starting his football journey at just five years old in Imphal, Danny reflected, "I played locally and later joined various academies. In 2019, I became part of Imphal City FC, which marked a turning point in my career."
He continued, "Coach Chencho Dorji from Bhutan was instrumental during my time at Imphal City before moving to Sudeva Delhi, where I made my senior debut in the Durand Cup 2021. This led to my selection for the national U-17 camp." Danny made his ISL debut for NorthEast United FC in March 2025.
Having been part of the SAFF U17 Championship-winning squad in 2022 and competing in the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2023 under coach Bibiano Fernandes, Danny and his teammates prepared intensively for the current SAFF U19 Championship. They trained for about two months, first in Bengaluru and then in Itanagar, refining their strategies.
"The game plan was excellent, as the coach guided us on positioning and movement, making it easier to score. He instructs me on which spaces to exploit, allowing me to find opportunities," Danny noted, citing Kevin de Bruyne and Brandon Fernandes as his midfield inspirations.
Playing in front of a supportive crowd of around 5,000 was a new experience for Danny. "This was my first time performing in front of such an enthusiastic audience. I recall playing in the U17 SAFF in Sri Lanka, but the crowd was against us then," he said.
"Having the fans cheering for us makes a significant difference. I am thankful to have played in such an electrifying atmosphere," he concluded.