Indian National Team Archives

We need to fight like a swarm of bees, says Sunil Chhetri

By Sanjay Jadhav 9 June 2021

Doha: National Team striker Sunil Chhetri has hailed the energy and tenacity displayed by the players in the game, comparing it to a swarm of “bees.”

A couple of days after Sunil scored a brace against Bangladesh to help India win 2-0, Sunil averred: “I tell the boys and myself to just turn up and give everything on the pitch, and then you will take whatever result comes. You saw Glan (Martins) and Suresh (Singh Wangjam) in the last game, that’s the kind of energy you want in games. They did make mistakes but their energy, fighting spirit, talking and listening — that’s all you need.”

“You might not get as many moments of individual brilliance and technical play like through-balls but if we can fight like how bees fight by coming together — that’s the foundation. The opponent should think that we will be annoying and fighting and defending as a team, and that is the first step. Slowly, other things will come from there,” Chhetri quipped.

‘BOYS ARE HUNGRY AND VERY FIT’

The talismanic forward, who has now taken his international tally of goals to 74 in 117 matches, spoke about how the players are “comfortable” with the style of football that head coach Igor Stimac wants them to play and praised the fitness levels in the team.

“The players are comfortable with the style the head coach wants us to play. It is a very simplified one and we need continuous training and matches to keep building on it,” he stated.

“We want to see more passing, as it would mean running less and more 1v1 situations. The players want that too and are capable of it, but it needs time. A lot of players are comfortable with the ball and it will definitely come soon.”

“Our next step from here is to be braver with the ball. We understand defending, communicating and taking care of ourselves. Everyone in the team is physically really fit and we are a very young side with many new boys. The head coach encourages us to keep the ball and the way forward is to keep the ball more and look to increase the number of passes and organized attacks.”

‘RELAX, KEEP YOUR HEAD HIGH’

Chhetri added that the team will continue to move forward together in their progression and mentioned that the whole team — players, coaches and technical staff are “in sync” with one another.

“Against Bangladesh, we were hurried at times in the final third and we will surely learn with more matches. For example, Manvir was a bit upset after missing one chance. I told him to relax and keep his head up, and that we all will miss chances.

“The boys are ready now — they are hungry, their GPS numbers are very good and they work very hard. The coaches and technical staff are in sync with the players and the next step is passing more, but it will not happen overnight,” he opined.

‘DEMAND FITNESS FROM ALL THE PLAYERS’

The 36-year-old, who made his Blue Tigers debut in 2005 against Pakistan, also touched upon how he guides the youngsters in the team on how to focus on oneself and the importance of being fit and taking care of one’s body.

“I advise youngsters to think about what you can do and not think about what others are saying. I learnt this early in my life — if you are more focused and thinking about yourself, you won’t get time to worry about what others are saying and thinking,” he maintained.

“I stress on fitness because it does not require brains. Doing the right exercises, avoiding the wrong kind of food, taking good sleep, drinking enough water — all these are easy and that is why I demand high fitness. I tell them that you have been chosen from 1.4 billion people, so it should be enough motivation to stay disciplined.”

“Bhaichung-bhai (Bhaichung Bhutia) always told me that you have to try and be a good example, and that is what I try to do. Being punctual, eating well, taking care of my body — the boys can see it and it is not difficult to motivate them. Earlier, I used to feel like a warden at times but now, it’s a natural process in the team,” he smiled.

‘CHANCES GIVEN TO MANY PLAYERS’

In the ongoing FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Qatar 2022, India are currently placed at six points from seven games, having lost out narrowly to Asian champions Qatar 1-0 despite going down early to 10 men, and then defeating neighbours Bangladesh via two unanswered goals.

Chhetri highlighted how head coach Stimac has given chances to a number of players in the last two years and emphasised the importance of being consistent in performances over the qualification campaign.

“It is difficult to transition, play a certain way, face higher-ranked teams and also get results. We want to be in sync with the coach and what he wants from us, and deliver upon it. That’s all we can do. Results haven’t been ideal but we must look at the silver linings.”

“The coach is not afraid of giving chances to players. If he sees someone who is good, he will always give the boy a chance. No player can say that I didn’t get a chance, which is a good thing. Both the coach and players are looking to make a base of the first 14.”

“No coach likes to change his team every time and he is on the lookout for making his first 14. The players also have to help out and once it clicks, it will be more stable.”

“Even if we win the last match against Afghanistan, I don’t think we can call the campaign a success. I look back at the matches against Bangladesh in Kolkata, Oman in Guwahati and Afghanistan away (in Dushanbe), where we did not play well. We have been hot and cold, and that’s what bothers me. We need to continue playing at the same level,” he added.

In their last match of the qualifiers, the Blue Tigers will now go up against Afghanistan on June 15, 2021, at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, with the third-place spot in the group on the line. The match will kick-off at 7.30 PM IST and will be broadcast live on the Star Network, Disney + Hotstar and Jio TV.

(AIFF Media)

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International Friendlies

Blue Tigers, ‘young’ and focussed, ready to face Asian Champions Qatar

By Sanjay Jadhav 2 June 2021

Doha, Qatar: Calls keep on coming, the phone just doesn’t stop ringing. NRIs based in Doha stay desperate to meet and greet the Blue Tigers. But the bio bubble is in place, playing spoilsport to all aspirations. Nevertheless, requests flow.

A day prior to India’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifiers, also the preliminary qualifiers for the AFC Asian Cup China 2023, the Blue Tigers, all in an effort to make up for lost time, press hard on the lush green. The last time India played Asian champions Qatar, it ended goalless – one of the most significant results ever achieved in recent times in Indian Football.

“The situation was different then. The situation is different now,” goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who had captained India on that day besides putting in an inspiring performance, quips. “We had headed into Doha after a longish camp. The tempo was exceptionally high despite the defeat against Oman in the previous match. In the past few days in Doha we have picked ourselves up besides getting ready for not just Qatar, but the two other matches which are to follow,” he adds.

The Blue Tigers landed in Doha on May 19 and began their training sessions from May 21. The camp was earlier scheduled to be held in Kolkata from May 2, but owing to the pandemic, it had to be cancelled. The pandemic even robbed India of friendly matches in Dubai.

The day begins early in Doha. At 5.15 am there’s bright sunlight, the decibels of the speeding rubber on the tarmac increase with every minute. The mercury rises to 45 degrees and more during the day. However, the evenings are significantly pleasant – the cool breeze blowing across the Qatari capital comes as a solace.

The team news states that midfielder Rowllin Borges has suffered a hamstring injury, and remains doubtful. The rest fight it hard to get into the final 23. The tournament regulations do allow a new 23 to be registered for every match.

At the official hotel, a horde of volunteers across multiple nationalities enquire as to where Sunil Chhetri is. The bio bubble and social distancing prohibits them from walking up and taking a selfie. They stay content watching him from a distance.

The last time Sunil was here, he was confined to the hotel room, a viral fever prohibited him from even attending a practice session, and even traveling to the stadium on matchday.

This time, he is omnipresent – leading the warm-ups and the gym sessions with great gusto, running up to have talks with Manvir, Gurpreet, Sandesh, and others, besides being engaged with Head Coach Igor Stimac for discussions. Post practice, he even prefers to pose with the juniors for a photo session.

“Qatar are one of the top teams in Asia,” Sunil maintains. “They have had some decent results against top European and South American teams in the recent past. The last time we took a point against them makes us confident as a team. We understand that they will come out all guns blazing at us, and we need to stick together as a team,” he expresses.

For the record, since 2018 Qatar have won 21 of the 35 matches played, with six draws, and eight losses, and sit atop Group E at the moment with 15 points from six games.

The return leg was supposed to be India’s home match. But owing to the pandemic situation, all the remaining matches involving all the five teams in Group E are now being played in Doha at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.

Head Coach Igor Stimac is tireless. He understands the significance of these three matches, and is aware of the commitment of his boys. “I reiterate, they are all good professionals, and I don’t have much of a task in keeping them motivated,” he avers. “The boys have been working hard with full commitment on the training pitch. They know that they are representing their country, and they will do everything possible to defend the India colours.”

At the hotel lobby, members of the Afghanistan team support staff exchange pleasantries, and enquire about the current age of the Indian squad. “It’s such a young squad you have,” they say in unison. “Very young squad, such young boys.”

“We have not played to our potential. It’s time to raise our hand and play the way we want to. Nothing is easy in International football. But you need to do it yourself,” Sandesh Jhingan smiles before boarding the team bus.

The kick-off on June 3 (Thursday) is at IST 10.30 pm, and all of India’s matches will be telecast live in India on the Star Sports Network and be streamed on Disney Hotstar and Jio TV.

(AIFF Media)

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Virat Kohli and Sunil-bhai are the pioneers, quips Pritam Kotal

By Sanjay Jadhav 25 May 2021

New Delhi: National Team defender Pritam Kotal stresses that the modern-day Indian footballer is extremely health conscious and is never willing to give in to temptation.

As the Blue Tigers prepare in Doha for the forthcoming World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifiers, in a candid chat, Pritam opens up about his role in the team, adjusting to the coach’s philosophy, the short duration camp, him taking inspiration from Virat Kohli’s fitness regime, staying away from luchi, begun-bhaga, mishti doi and rosogolla, and much more. EXCERPTS:

What have you been doing since the International Friendlies in March?

The AFC Cup was on schedule till some time back. So I was working out at home and at a nearby football field. My club coach and the National Team coach had provided me with certain fitness routines and I was constantly working on them.

But with the second wave of the pandemic striking, I could not move out. Thereafter, I was confined to my personal gym at my house. From that time, I concentrated on high intensity workouts focussing primarily on strength training. In the evenings I also used to work with the ball on the roof top. But that’s nothing in comparison to hitting the green with the ball.

Has it been an ideal preparation in Doha with a shorter camp?

Longer duration camps always help. Most of the boys came from their respective homes where they were all kind of locked down. Majority of us last played our last competitive match almost two months back. So a longer camp would have helped. But it is what it is.

Footballers nowadays have become extremely health conscious.

The trend is here to stay. Nowadays there are no off-seasons for a footballer. Even during a vacation, we have to make sacrifices.

What kind of?

It’s all about the diet. Even on a vacation Indian footballers don’t eat anything and everything. The mentality — you are what you eat — has sunk in. So no one gives in to the temptation.

When did all of this sink in?

We were educated about a sportsman’s diet during our AIFF Academy days. Post 2015-16 I took it extremely seriously – that’s when the realisation crept in. I read about how Virat Kohli approaches his fitness, his training regime, diet, and how never ever he goes against the roadmap laid down by his personal trainer. Having Sunil-bhai (Chhetri) around helped as with his controlled diet plan, Sunil-bhai’s fitness and performances reached a different level. Both Virat and Sunil-bhai are the pioneers.

Thereafter?

I roped in my personal trainer, set up my personal gym at home, and eventually cut my tongue off (laughs).

How tough was that?

You are asking a Bengali how tough it is to stay away from luchi, begun-bhaja, kosha mangsho, mishti doi, rosogolla, and a whole lot of delicacies. It was extremely annoying at the outset. There was a conflict in my own mind. I brought in my own cook and slowly settled down.

My mom, however, was extremely upset with me.

Why?

A mother’s heart is never fulfilled till she sees her child eating everything on the plate. Initially, she served me all the delicacies, spicy, tasty. But she was quick to realise that all my sacrifices were turning out to be beneficial for me.

But being a mother she still asks – Rosogolla khabi (Will you have a rosogolla?). But she never forces me anymore. In fact, even my mom cooks a bit differently nowadays.

You are someone who has been equally successful at the club and international level. How do you balance it?

Club football and international football are two separate poles which are extreme apart from each other. Even while playing at the domestic level, you need to keep in mind the intensity and the skill level required at the international football. Every footballer needs to set that target to improve himself. Once we are able to do it collectively, the National team standard will automatically improve.

You have not been a first-choice since the 2019 Asian Cup? How are you adjusting to the role?

Competition has improved me as a player. Different coaches tend to plan and play football differently. As professional players it is our responsibility to adapt, and faster. I feel that I need to give to my coach a bit more. But this is an extremely healthy competition which we all relish. At the end of the day, we are all good friends who are working tirelessly for one objective – to see the Tricolour fluttering high.\

(AIFF Media)

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International Friendlies

Dubai results won’t have any impact in Doha, Blue Tigers echo in unison

By Sanjay Jadhav 23 May 2021

New Delhi: With the Indian Men’s Senior National Team having kicked-off their preparatory camp in Doha, the Blue Tigers in unison maintained that the result of the International Friendlies in Dubai in March won’t have any impact on forthcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Qualifiers slated to be played from June 3 onwards.

Star goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu feels that it’s a matter of having three clean slates for the remaining matches in the World Cup Qualifiers, and that it is up to the boys to script their own fates.

“The less we think about it, the better. It’s past. But it’s significant to remember what happened as it drives us to understand the part we need to work upon. We have three clean slates in front of us. It’s up to us as to what we need to write upon them,” he averred.

The Senior National Team has already had a camp earlier this year in Dubai, after the completion of the domestic season, following which, they participated in two FIFA International Friendlies against Oman and UAE.

Defender Pritam Kotal highlighted that the perspectives are entirely different from one another.

“The perspective of Dubai and Doha are entirely different. In Dubai, we played two different teams in the two matches. That was our return to International Football after almost 16 months. The two matches enabled us to slap all the negatives. June will surely be better,” he opined.

India are scheduled to play Asian Champions Qatar on June 3, Bangladesh on June 7, and Afghanistan on June 15 with all three matches to be played at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Doha.

Manvir Singh insisted that the “mixed bag in Dubai” was of huge help.

“Friendly matches always present a chance to set an aim to improve yourself. Dubai was different, Doha will be entirely different. But yeah, Dubai helped us a lot in many aspects. In that sense, the mixed bag in Dubai has been extremely helpful,” he quipped.

The Blue Tigers landed in Doha on May 19, and were in quarantine at the team hotel till they received the results of the RTPCR tests conducted upon arrival.

Meanwhile, Anirudh Thapa expressed that the goalless draw against Oman in March in Dubai was a “huge result for Indian Football.”

“We made a huge positive impact against Oman – that too with 10 debutants. I always look at the positives, and that to me was a huge result for Indian Football. In the Qualifiers, we will have a full squad at our disposal. The Dubai results will have absolutely no impact in Doha,” he said in one breath.

The Qualifiers are being played in Doha in view of the COVID pandemic situation which doesn’t allow the original format of home and away matches. India are currently on 3 points from 3 matches in Group E.

Midfielder Suresh Singh, one among the ten debutants in the match against Oman in Dubai, felt past results never affect professional players.

“Dubai is past. As professional players, the past never affects us. Players are professional enough and understand how to react on the pitch. In Doha, we are the underdogs. Let’s not forget, that in Dubai, we never had our full strength at our disposal,” he stated.

(AIFF Media)

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AIFF thanks Qatar FA as Blue Tigers land safely in Doha

By Sanjay Jadhav 20 May 2021

New Delhi: The Indian National Team landed safely at the Hamad International Airport Doha late evening yesterday (May 19, 2021) for India’s three forthcoming matches in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Qualifiers, slated to be played from June 3 onwards.

The 28 players and the support staff are in compulsory quarantine till they receive the test results of the conducted RTPCR tests in Doha. The squad will thereafter, be allowed to kick-off their preparatory camp as part of their preparation for the matches.

The AIFF would like to put on record its gratitude to the Qatar Football Federation for their help, cooperation and understanding in helping the Blue Tigers to assemble in Doha and start the camp, all in an effort to take football forward together.

“We are extremely grateful and thankful to the Qatar FA for the manner they went out of the way and helped us begin our camp in Qatar early.

“The Group E World Cup Qualifiers will be played from inside a secure bio bubble. We understand that there are certain mandatory health parameters which we need to adhere upon arrival in Doha, which we will with complete diligence,” AIFF General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das averred.

“The AIFF President Mr. Praful Patel had detailed chats with the President of the Qatar FA who raised our concern with the Prime Minister’s Office, after which the 10-day quarantine period was waived off,” Mr. Das informed.

The preparatory camp was originally slated to happen in Kolkata from May 2 onwards till the second wave of the covid pandemic forced a cancellation. The Blue Tigers also had a scheduled friendly match behind closed doors in Dubai as part of the preparation, but even that had to be cancelled.

The 28-member squad along with the support staff flew out from New Delhi wherein they were in a compulsory isolation upon their arrival from their respective hometowns from May 15 onwards. The entire contingent had arrived in the Capital with mandatory negative RTPCR test results, and had undergone another RTPCR test prior to flying off to Doha.

India who are currently on 3 points from 5 matches in Group E are scheduled to play Asian Champions Qatar on June 3, Bangladesh on June 7, and Afghanistan on June 15 with all three matches to be played at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Doha.

The round of matches is being played in Doha in view of the COVID pandemic situation which doesn’t allow the original format of home and away matches. India are currently on 3 points from 3 matches in Group E.

The Senior National Team has already had a camp earlier this year in Dubai, after the completion of the domestic season, following which, they participated in two FIFA International Friendlies against Oman and UAE.

India’s fixtures:

June 3: India vs Qatar (IST 10.30pm).

June 7: Bangladesh vs India (IST 7.30pm).

June 15: India vs Afghanistan (IST 7.30pm).

(AIFF Media)

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AFC Asian Cup

28 probables fly to Doha for camp ahead of June qualifiers

By Sanjay Jadhav 19 May 2021

New Delhi: A 28-member Indian National Team squad has left for Doha on May 19, 2021 for India’s three forthcoming matches in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Qualifiers, slated to be played from June 3 onwards.

As per the health parameters required to travel to Qatar, all the travelling players and staff carry with them negative test results from the RTPCR tests conducted in the last 48 hours. All of them were also in isolation in the Capital under the bio bubble at the team hotel from May 15 onwards.

Stimac stated that although it is not the “ideal situation” ahead of the June Qualifiers, the Blue Tigers will be putting in “intense” sessions before their matches get underway.

“It’s not an ideal situation as we move ahead to the Qualifiers in June. Due to the pandemic, our National Camp which was slated to begin in Kolkata at the beginning of May had to get cancelled. The pandemic also robbed us of a friendly match in Dubai,” the Head Coach maintained.

“However, we understand the magnitude of the situation, and it will be intense sessions in Doha to raise the tempo and try to get ready for the matches which starts with the one against the Asian Champions Qatar in Doha,” Stimac averred.

India are scheduled to play Asian Champions Qatar on June 3, Bangladesh on June 7, and Afghanistan on June 15 with all three matches to be played at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Doha. Among the 28 named for the camp, Glan Martins remains the sole player to have made it to a National team camp for the first-time ever.

Meanwhile, National Team captain Sunil Chhetri expressed his relief to get back into the National team set-up.

“It’s such a relief to be back in the National team squad – after all, home is where the heart is. Personally, I am eagerly looking forward to being in Doha. The last time I was in Doha, I couldn’t be a part of the match against Qatar owing to illness,” Sunil, who has 72 International goals to his name, opined.

“The matches in June are extremely tough and we need to take them one at a time. Given the fact that we don’t have much time, the preparatory camp will add immense value helping all to gel together, and strike that chord ahead of the first match,” he added.

“Doha has always had an emotional connection with me. It was there that I played in the 2011 Asian Cup, and also the AFC Cup final for my club Bengaluru FC.”

The round of matches is being played in Doha in view of the COVID pandemic situation which doesn’t allow the original format of home and away matches. India are currently on 3 points from 3 matches in Group E.

The Senior National Team has already had a camp earlier this year in Dubai, after the completion of the domestic season, following which, they participated in two FIFA International Friendlies against Oman and UAE.

India’s fixtures:

June 3: India vs Qatar (IST 10.30pm).

June 7: Bangladesh vs India (IST 7.30pm).

June 15: India vs Afghanistan (IST 7.30pm).

(AIFF Media)

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‘Brilliant’ Nirmal organizes blood donation camp to aid hometown’s battle against COVID-19

By Sanjay Jadhav 5 May 2021

New Delhi: Nirmal Chhetri was once hailed by Gerd Muller as “brilliant,” during Bayern Munich U23s visit to Kolkata in 2009 wherein he had made quite an impression in his duels against a promising but young Thomas Mueller. And then in 2012, Thomas, who represented Bayern Munich in Bhaichung Bhutia’s farewell match in Delhi, had mentioned repeatedly about Nirmal, saying “he was difficult to get past.”

As someone who has always been known to take up steep challenges, Nirmal, the former National Team defender preferred to lead from the front as India battles the ongoing second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Only the other day, Nirmal organized a blood donation drive in his hometown of Melli in Sikkim, which he feels was the need of the hour as “people from across the nation have joined hands to help one another,” all in an effort to take the society forward together.

“Social work and giving back to my community as much as possible is something very close to my heart. With the number of cases rising across the country we received a call from the local blood bank about a shortage as the vaccination drive was all set to begin,” Nirmal said.

“Hence, all of us at my local club FC Melli worked non-stop and were able to organize a camp in just two days at the local football ground,” he added. “We had a lot of challenges with regards to the security and health protocols but the whole team worked in great coordination to ensure they were followed and make the drive a success.”

“We were inspired by a local organization named Blood Army of Sikkim and with their guidance, we were able to collect 58 units in all for the blood bank at the Namchi District Hospital in South Sikkim.”

Last year, in August 2020 to be precise, the 30-year-old led had taken up an initiative in the fight against COVID-19 as he had organized a sanitization drive in Melli, covering key areas of the town along with 500-600 homes. In the past, he has been highly active in his local community — leading afforestation, cleanliness and anti-drug awareness drives as well.

“Whenever I get a break from football, I am always thinking about how I can help my local community and contribute as much as I can. The support I have received over my career from the people back home has always been crucial and now, it’s my time to give back to society and help my fellow citizens,” Nirmal, who was part of the triumphant 2012 Nehru Cup squad expressed.

A number of footballing icons in the country — Sunil Chhetri, CK Vineeth, Sahal Abdul Samad and many more, have already come forward to lend their support in the fight against COVID-19. Chettri urged his fellow colleagues to keep up the good work and offer help in as many ways as possible.

“Cases are rising fast and we need to help each other. Help can come in different forms and is great to see my fellow footballers also join the fight.”

“Social media is a great platform for players to influence their followers and reach out to as many people as possible. I urge everyone to contribute in whichever way you can and help the country and people,” he averred.

The two-time SAFF Championship winner also stressed on the importance of people ‘fighting together’ to defeat the coronavirus and follow the safety guidelines issued by the authorities.

“It is critical that all of us remain united in this battle and fight together. We need to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe by following the SOPs, make others follow them and at the same time, we need to offer as much support as possible in any form to those in need,” he stated.

(AIFF Media)

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Pritam Kotal lends a helping hand to Bangladesh striker Jibon

By Sanjay Jadhav 2 May 2021

New Delhi: Many footballers face rather difficult times when they need to go under the knife to correct injuries sustained on the pitch. It is not only the physical recovery that they have to deal with, but they are also constantly mindful of the uncertainty of the recovery process, and how long it could take.

However, even in such trying times, the ‘Beautiful Game’ has its own way of bringing people together. Bangladesh National Football Team striker Nabib Newaj Jibon had come across the border to Kolkata for surgery earlier in April, only to find a guardian angel in someone who he barely knew prior to this trip to the ‘City of Joy.’

“I never really knew Pritam-da (Kotal, India National Team defender) personally, before this trip to Kolkata,” Jibon said. “Yes, I had heard about him. I have played against him for my National Team. But we were never properly acquainted.” In fact, it was one of Jibon’s teammates from the National Team, Raihan Hasan, who introduced the Bangladesh striker with the Blue Tigers defender.

“I’ve been well acquainted with Mamunul-bhai (Islam) and Raihan. In fact, it was Raihan, who took a lot of initiative and approached me about Jibon. I was told that he was coming to Kolkata, and requested me to look after him during his stay here,” said Pritam.

Pritam instantly agreed to help out his fellow footballer from across the border.

“Of course, if someone comes across the border, we need to take care of him. We may be from different countries, but at the end of the day we are all from the footballing community, and we need to take care of each other,” said Pritam. “He’s like a brother from across the border.”

Once Jibon was in Kolkata, he had set up at a hotel that was quite close to Pritam’s house, and the latter, along with his girlfriend Sonela Paul left no stone unturned to help Jibon.

“Pritam-da and Sonela-di both provided so much support when I was there in Kolkata,” Jibon mentioned. “The main thing that they provided me was the mental support. That was very important — especially because I was in a city where I did not know anybody.”

“They used to visit me every day at the hospital, and at my hotel. I could not move around much after my surgery. But they would often come around and get different things for me – whatever I’d require. They’d even check on whether I’ve had my meals properly every day, and that meant a lot,” Jibon continued.

While Pritam could not go visit Jibon towards the end of the latter’s stay due to certain COVID-safety protocols in his locality, it was Sonela who stepped up and made sure that the Bangladesh striker was able to get back across the border, despite the fact that his flight was canceled.

Pritam sent his driver and his car along with Sonela, to pick up Jibon and take him all the way to the India-Bangladesh border in Benapole, near the town of Bongaon.

“We also contacted the Petrapole immigration authorities and, got permission from them. The BSF at Benapol also helped a lot. They reached in the morning, but there was a long wait till the evening, and finally, he was allowed to cross the border,” said Pritam.

“There were some difficulties, but the good thing is that the surgery was successful and that he was able to get back across the border without much hassle.”

Jibon’s club Basundhara Kings are set to play against Pritam’s side ATK Mohun Bagan in the AFC Cup in May, whereas Bangladesh is set to play India in the World Cup Qualifier in Qatar, later this year. While the now recovering Jibon may be out of contention for both the matches, the two footballers who had forged a strong friendship in this short period of time, are looking forward to facing each other on the pitch once again.

“Since his operation was successful, I’d very much like to see him return to the pitch soon. Even if he can’t return in time for the AFC Cup matches, it’s not that big a deal. I just hope that he gets well soon and can return to the pitch. It will be great to play against him. I pray to God for his speedy recovery,” said Pritam.

(AIFF Media)

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International Friendlies

Continuous supply of talent defines Indian football: Sandesh Jhingan

By Sanjay Jadhav 27 March 2021

Dubai, UAE: Life for Sandesh Jhingan came to a full circle on Thursday (March 25, 2021) when he captained India in the International Friendly against Oman. As the 27-year-old walked out leading the country, six debutants followed him. Post the final whistle, the number of debutants went up from six to 10 – with another four coming on from the bench during the course of the match.

Sandesh’s first match in International Football in 2015 (against Nepal in the play-offs for the Qualifiers of the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018) had seen seven debutants, including himself – which was kind of a record at that time.

The morning after, at the breakfast table, Sandesh ponders, “For any nation to grow in any aspect – be it science, sports, football or wherever you need to have a continuous supply of talent. Youth development will ensure that you can get a new Sandesh Jinghan, a Sunil Chhetri, a Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and all others every year, no matter what. The regular supply of talent every single year will ensure that the National Team improves,” he averred.

“Be it Belgium or Germany or England or anyone who is massive on the world football map, everyone follows the same philosophy. It is very good to see how well the boys are trained, and I am positive about the future,” he expresses.

The flow of youth, courtesy of the YDP set-up has, in a way, revolutionised Indian Football in the last few years. Be it the AIFF Academy set-up, the youth national teams or the Indian Arrows, or all academies, the youth of today is better coached, much comfortable on the ball, and so much confident as an individual.

“One thing I can say for this batch is that I need to use the least words for them because they are already so motivated and mentally pumped up for the game. Of course, you need to be calm and intelligent. But you need to have some aggression to win your duels. The boys have it, they have the aggressiveness. And they also have a calmness when they get the ball. My job as a captain was easier,” he expressed.

The players who know me, the people who know me, who have been with me in the dressing room, know that I am a different person off the field. On the field, you need to be extremely aggressive. That’s the way I am. You always need to charge yourself up for the match.

Referring to the match against Oman, Sandesh smiled, mentioning “it seems like yesterday” that he had made his International debut.

“Only the other day, I was calling my mother and telling her that I finally made my International debut. Now I realise it was in 2015. Time flies,” he smiled. “I was kind of seeing myself in the boys during the match. I feel the future is extremely bright with the kind of mindset and talent the new boys possess.”

“It always makes you get up from the bed with a smile every morning when you have something to look forward to and this batch has it. I believe there is a lot to improve, and we can improve. I am just happy being here with this batch.”

(AIFF Media)

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