Indian Football is pushing Indian sports forward, says Vivek Nagul
There’s a buzz in the air. Normally at this time of the year, anybody in Kolkata would attribute it to the festive season that is looming large on the horizon.
But inside the team hotel where the players and officials of the Hero I-League Qualifier 2020 are staying, there is a different kind of anticipation – Indian Football is moving forward together — finally coming back to India — just two more days to go.
Returning to football, ARA FC coach Vivek Nagul compared his own situation to that of a child being kept away from his mother.
“I’m as happy as a child who sees his mother after a long, long time,” he said with a beaming face from behind the COVID-safety mask.
“Not only for football, but this is a very good moment for all sports in the country. We would essentially be showing the way to all the other sports. The AIFF has prepared an extensive SOP for the tournament, and perhaps the other federations will also draw examples from that and plan their tournaments likewise. In a way Indian Football is are pushing Indian sports forward here,” he quipped.
On the training ground, the Mohammedan Sporting’s experienced winger experienced Subash Singh is seen sweating it out with a renewed vigour, as his side Mohammedan SC prepare for the upcoming matches. The 30-year-old feels that the extra efforts made by the organisers to host a tournament during these difficult times shows their intent to take things forward.
“As a player, you are always happy to see people putting in so much effort to restart football during such difficult times,” said Subash. “Not only will the players be able to get back to the field, but the organisers will also gain a different perspective on how to safely host tournaments in adverse situations.”
ARA FC midfielder Jordan Fernandes, who hails from Pune feels that it is good for the footballers to be finally back to the pitch, after spending such a long time at home.
“Footballers are generally outdoors creatures. We would prefer to be on the pitch than in our rooms any day. So it’s really exciting to be looking forward to some footballing action once again in the Hero I-League Qualifier,” said Jordan.
Garhwal FC head coach Vikas Rawat echoed the sentiments stating that though he has his own office at the club, he prefers to stay outside the four walls.
“I’m not an office guy at all. I’d rather be out on the field any day of the week,” he laughed. “We’ve never been away from the pitch for this long, and it’s finally good to be back. This coming together of everyone for football is like a celebration for us all,” stated Rawat.
“The organisers have put in a lot of good effort to take the game forward together. We now have the chance move ahead into the Hero I-League.”
Garhwal’s home-grown boy, Mahip Adhikari feels that the players and officials are in very safe hands inside the COVID-safety bubble.
“Not just our team, but everyone is very well taken care of. We are also taking precautions and not socialising, even with players from the other teams. The conditions provided to us – right from the grounds, to the hotel, are all top class, and it feels quite safe to be inside the bubble, and playing football,” said Adhikari.
Mohammedan SC’s young forward Himanshu Jangra compared the regulations imposed on everyone surrounding the tournament like leaves from a Neem tree.
“There are a lot of restrictions like we have to maintain social distancing, we cannot step out of the bubble, and many other guidelines. But I feel that these are like neem leaves. They may taste bitter in your mouth but ultimately they are very good for your body,” stated the India U-16 International.
“The Qualifiers are being organised in a very safe manner. It’s great that we are moving forward and are being able to play football again,” he said.
CREDITS: AIFF Media
For fixtures, standing and all news on I League 2nd Division – Final Round – Visit here
Also Read: I League Qualifiers Preview – Bhawanipore look to make History
For articles on unknown talented footballers – Visit here
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 1 Preview: Playoffs fever grips the ISL as Odisha FC host Kerala Blasters FC with a semi-final spot at stake
Bhubaneswar, April 18: Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters FC will face each other in the first match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs at the Kalinga Stadium in…
Ivan Vukomanovic: Seeing Kerala Blasters FC players shine for the national team gives me great satisfaction
Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic is into his third season in the Indian Super League (ISL) and he has naturally overseen the rise of multiple young players who…
Attacking talents flourish, defensive stability define league’s best: ISL 2023-24 Statistical Breakdown
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 league stages rounded off with Mohun Bagan Super Giant becoming the League Champions for the first time in the history of the competition. They…
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC’s decisive away game ends in a draw against United SC
A late goal from Sanchit Singh gave MH Oranje FC a breath of fresh life with the draw ensuring the relegation battle against United SC continues till the final day…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 2 Preview – Playoff Fever: FC Goa Hosts Chennaiyin FC in High-Stakes Knockout Battle
Goa, April 19: The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs reach a fever pitch as FC Goa prepares to host Chennaiyin FC in a high-stakes knockout clash at the iconic…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
Intrigue and rivalry heats up as FC Goa bank on positive momentum to stop Mumbai City FC in their tracks
Goa, April 23: FC Goa will host Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semi-final fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on April 24, Wednesday, at 7:30…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…