This Award is of the players, by the players, for the players: Sukhwinder Singh
Sukhwinder Singh, the 71-year-old coach who was named the winner of the Dhyan Chand Trophy stated the Award is of the Players, by the players and for players. In a freewheeling interview, the veteran Coach took a walk down memory lane to look back at his illustrious career and also compare India’s 2001 WCQ win against UAE, and 2019 draw against Qatar. EXCERPTS:
What are your thoughts on being named the winner of the Dhyan Chand Award?
I’m very proud to have received it. But it could not have been possible without my players. They respect me and I respect them too. The Award is not only mine — it’s more for the players who delivered on the pitch. It is of the players, by the players, for the players.
As a coach, the famous win against UAE is arguably one of your biggest achievements.
It was a golden day for Indian Football. It changed the perception of Indian Football in front of the world. We didn’t start with Vijayan that day. In the second half, when I asked him to go for warm-up, the entire stadium sprung into life. Vijayan was a raw talent who could turn a match on its head within no time. He was unmatchable and the UAE defenders could not settle with his pace at all. And when Jules Alberto scored, I still remember how the stadium went berserk. UAE pushed harder, they were attacking in numbers but Deepak Mondal, Mahesh Gawli and other defenders soaked in the pressure till the final whistle.
In the reverse leg, we needed one point to qualify to the next round. We felt unlucky to have conceded a late goal. Even after playing with 10 men for most of the match, we could have held them to a draw. But the late goal dashed our dream. At times, football can be very cruel.
How do you rate that performance compared to the Blue Tigers’ goalless draw against the Asian Champions Qatar at Doha in 2019?
Both are equally great results for Indian Football. I follow India’s matches very closely and read how the International media acclaimed this result. India played top-class football which was very tough against a quality side like Qatar — that too at their home. Just like my team did in 2001, the current crop also showed their tenacity, persistence to come out with this result. I appreciate their fighting spirit and organisational skill.
You also won SAFF Championship in 2009 with an U-23 side in Bangladesh. How tough was that?
I would thank President Mr. Praful Patel and the-then coach Mr. Bob Haughton for entrusting us with the young team. Everyone looked at it as a developmental exposure trip but I took the challenge and players supported me like anything. We had the conviction that we could come back from Bangladesh with the trophy.
AFC President Mohammed Bin Hammam, our General Secretary and a lot more VIPs were present at the stands. In the final, we were slated to face Maldives whom we had lost to in the group stage. Arindam saw us through in the tie-breaker. He was eventually adjudged the Player of the Tournament. Tanumoy (Bose) was the goalkeeping coach and he deserved a lot of credits for Arindam’s success.
Accolades poured in from every corner and even Bob Haughton was so pleased with that success that he picked up a few boys from our squad to strengthen the senior team.
Coming back to your illustrious coaching career with JCT, how do you remember winning the first edition of NFL in 196-97?
It was another sweet memory but we had to toil hard to earn that. Every team used to respect our star-studded team — Bhaichung Bhutia, IM Vijayan, Jo Paul Ancheri, Carlton Chapman, Stephen Abarowei, etc were equally capable of tearing apart any opponent on their days. Tejinder Kumar was the leader. But, our performance took a nosedive in the middle and we were almost 10 points shy of the leaders Churchill Brothers.
I had to make a tough decision, so rested Vijayan against East Bengal. As I told, players used to respect my decision always. Vijayan was mature, Bhaichung was comparatively young that time. That decision could have backfired but what a game the boys played that day!
Bhaichung scored a brace and we won 2-0. Next, we beat Mahindra & Mahindra 3-0 in Mumbai and won four matches in a row to get closer to the trophy. Finally, following the nail-biting finish on the final day, we lifted the trophy.
How was the final day drama?
Too much for a football fan! After drawing with Air India, we had to depend on Churchill Brothers’ results in the last two legs. They also drew against Dempo in Goa before heading to Bangalore to face Indian Bank on the final day. We had our last match against Dempo in Goa. A win was enough for Churchill whereas we needed them to lose points.
We didn’t have access to the internet those days. Even after beating Dempo 4-1 in Goa, we were perplexed. When we got to know that Churchill were held to a 1-1 draw by Indian Bank, we felt speechless. Yes, we could do it. We outranked them by just one point — a perfect photo-finish to the maiden edition of the National Football League.
You coached Bhaichung Bhutia, IM Vijayan, Sunil Chhetri. How do you rate the trio?
One thing is common amongst them. All three are equally talented to win you a match on their day. As a coach, I’m lucky to have gotten them in my dressing room.
CREDITS: AIFF Media
Also Read:
Gurpreet plans exhibition for his sketches to donate money for charity
Kerala Blasters rope in Umesh Perambra
For articles on unknown talented footballers – visit here
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC flares an important 3-0 victory over Sporting Goa in an crucial encounter
Maharashtra Oranje FC returned to winning ways with a 3-0 win over Sporting Goa to lift themselves to 7th spot in the I-League 2 table In a high-stakes I-League 2…
Roundup: Chennaiyin FC win against KBFC as RFYC, Bengaluru FC play gripping draw in RFDL National Group Stage in Mumbai
Mumbai, April 16: Bengaluru FC and Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) played out a goalless draw at the Reliance Corporate Park (RCP) in Navi Mumbai in the National Group Stage…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Millat FC win 5-2 to stay in title race, Hope United enters top 3 in the league table
Title contenders Millat FC kept their unbeaten run on with cruising 5-2 win over Kalina Rangers, Hope United picked up a come from behind win. Millat FC rode on Duane…
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…
Kerala Blasters FC bag winning momentum before playoffs with solid 3-1 win against Hyderabad FC
Hyderabad, April 12: Kerala Blasters FC ensured that they will enter the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs with a win at their back after defeating Hyderabad FC by 3-1…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant crowned ISL Champions 2023-24 after 2-1 win in title-winning clash against Mumbai City FC
Kolkata, April 15: Mohun Bagan Super Giant became the Indian Super League (ISL) Champions by defeating Mumbai City FC by 2-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight. The…
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…
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…
NorthEast United FC end their campaign on a high with feisty 3-0 victory over Odisha FC
Guwahati, April 13: NorthEast United FC bowed out of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on a high with a resounding 3-0 victory against Odisha FC at the Indira Gandhi…
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…
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…